Metallic hemiarthroplasty of the knee

Abstract

Metallic hemiarthroplasty may continue to have a very selective, limited role in the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis. Fewer than 1% of patients with OA should be appropriate candidates. Indications might include a young osteoarthritic patient with unicompartmental arthritis in whom an osteotomy is contraindicated, but who is considered too young, heavy, and/or active for total knee arthroplasty. Advantages include the conservative nature of the operation and permission for the patients to engage in activity to tolerance. Disadvantages are the possibility of incomplete pain relief and the fact that the procedure is technically demanding and sensitive. © 2005 Springer Medizin Verlag Heidelberg.