Mobile and fixed bearings in unicondylar knee resurfacing: Indications vs osteotomies and total knee replacements

Abstract

Whilst some indications for total knee replacement (TKR) are clear in patients with tricompartmental osteoarthritis (OA), limited flexion and significant deformity (Fig. 4.1a, b), the indications for osteotomy and unicompartmental knee resurfacing (UKR) continue to be variable [1, 2]. Moreover, the percentage of unicompartmental surgery performed varies from 10% [2] to 40% [3]. A similar variation is seen in the practice of corrective osteotomy for malalignment; for example, between the United Kingdom and Switzerland there are significant differences in training and experience along with patient expectations. These differences in indications relate to the surgical expertise and training available to perform osteotomy and UKR respectively.