Manipulation of tibial component to ensure avoidance of bearing separation from the vertical wall of tibial component in oxford unicompartmental arthroplasty

Abstract

In Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, the relationship between the mobile bearing and the vertical wall of the tibial tray is important in preventing bearing dislocation. Separation of the bearing from the vertical wall can cause spinning of the bearing with an increased risk of subsequent dislocation. We report on intraoperative adjustment of the tibial tray performed to prevent the bearing from spinning. After tibial and femoral bone cutting and adjustment of the flexion and extension gap, the trial bearing is inserted and the bearing-vertical wall distance is evaluated before the preparation using the tibial template and bearing trial. In the case of separation, it can be resolved by medialization with or without rotational adjustment. The technique is useful and can be easily performed, it is therefore recommendable for all cases of Oxford mobile-bearing unicompartmental arthroplasty.