Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Practical Guide for Orthopedic Surgeons

As the demand for knee arthroplasty continues to rise, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has emerged as a viable surgical option for treating isolated medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartment arthritis of the knee. In this article, we will delve into the world of UKA, exploring its history, indications, patient selection, and surgical techniques.

History and Indications

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a type of partial knee replacement that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The procedure involves replacing only one compartment of the knee joint, typically the medial or lateral compartment, while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. This approach offers several advantages, including faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications.

Surgical Techniques

The surgical technique for UKA is presented in three thematic sections: history, indications, and patient selection; surgical techniques; and complications and their prevention. In part two, we will explore the various surgical techniques used in UKA, including mobile bearings, pain management, blood preservation strategies, and therapy options.

Complications and Prevention

Complications are an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, and UKA is no exception. Part three of this article discusses common complications such as periprosthetic fractures and infection, and provides guidance on how to prevent them.

Patient Selection and Expectations

Selecting the right patients for UKA is crucial for achieving successful outcomes. In part one, we will discuss patient selection criteria, including how to manage patient expectations and implant choices.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is an excellent surgical option for treating isolated medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartment arthritis of the knee. By understanding its history, indications, patient selection, and surgical techniques, orthopedic surgeons can develop successful pathways for UKA. With demand increasing for outpatient surgery and rapid recovery protocols, UKA is well-suited to meet these demands.

About Dr. Tad Gerlinger

Dr. Tad Gerlinger is a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Rush-PresbyterianSt Lukes Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. He has performed numerous successful UKA procedures and is committed to providing his patients with the highest level of care and attention.

Contact Information

To learn more about Dr. Tad Gerlinger or schedule an appointment, please contact him at (253) 445-8084 or visit his website at . You can also find him on Radaris, a people finder website that provides publicly available data from government agencies.

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