Advantages of a Cementless Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Approach

Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a procedure designed for resurfacing the medial compartment in isolated medial compartment degenerative joint disease. Many long-term studies have reported the success of UKA. Despite recent interest and isolated reports of success, significant issues still exist today with early failure in UKA. Medial UKA is a promising alternative to total knee arthroplasty for isolated medial compartment degenerative joint disease. Potential advantages of this treatment option compared with total knee arthroplasty include improved patient satisfaction, more consistent return to sporting activities, quicker recovery, decreased complication risk, and greater range of motion. With the introduction of robotic arm tools to help improve accuracy and reliability of implant position, we may be able to decrease failure rates in UKAs. In addition, cementless technologies are promising approaches to improve the durability of UKA fixation. Robotic arm techniques coupled with cementless fixation strategies may dramatically reduce the incidence of aseptic loosening in UKA.