Older age and varus alignment lead to early failure in treating patellofemoral osteoarthritis with Fulkerson osteotomy

Medial fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients with or without patellofemoral osteoarthritis: is there any difference in clinical outcomes?

PURPOSE

Patients with indication for medial UKA may present with some degree of patellofemoral joint degeneration. The main purpose of this study was to identify the impact of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) on the clinical outcomes of medial fixed-bearing UKA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study evaluating the clinical outcomes of medial UKA in patients with isolated medial OA, with or without patellofemoral involvement. Data collected included demographic information, pain analog scale scores, range of motion (ROM), KOOS and Oxford Knee Score, and knee radiographs.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis included 112 patients. The average follow-up was 34.1 months. One patient in the non-PFOA group presented with deep vein thrombosis. No difference was found between groups regarding PROMs, OKS, Pain or KOOS. Postoperative range of motion values in Groups A and B were, respectively, 114.5 ± 2.4 and 112.5 ± 3.6 (p = 0.39). Postoperative Oxford Knee Scale in Groups A and B were, respectively, 40.2 ± 2.0 and 40.5 ± 2.5 (p = 0.86). Pain scale reduction in Groups A and B were, respectively, 5 ± 2.1 and 5.0 ± 2.6 (p = 0.17). Postoperative KOSS values in Groups A and B were, respectively, 80.6 ± 2.5 and 82.5 ± 3.0 (p = 0.45).

CONCLUSION

UKA is a good option for medial isolated tibiofemoral osteoarthritis in patients without PFOA (Iwano's Grade 1) or with asymptomatic PFOA (Iwano's Grade 2 and 3). Improvements in pain, Oxford Knee Score and KOOS were observed without differences between groups.