Clinical and functional comparison of uni- and bicondylar sledge prostheses

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of differences in clinical results, proprioceptive performance and gait in patients with unicondylar and bicondylar sledge prostheses of the knee. In a retrospective study, 17 patients with unicondylar sledge prostheses were compared with 15 patients with bicondylar sledge prostheses. Clinical examination was rated using HSS, Knee Society, and patellar scores and a visual analogue scale for pain. Proprioceptive performance was examined using sway measurements during single leg stance on a force platform. In addition, the patients underwent 3-D gait analysis including measurements of ground reaction forces and surface electromyographic (EMG) investigation of the lower extremity. Comparing both patient groups in clinical scores, gait, EMG and proprioception, no significant differences were found. Implantation of bicondylar sledge prostheses retaining both cruciate ligaments achieves functional results as good as unicompartmental arthroplasty. The presented results might encourage future research on new models of total joint replacement with preservation of both cruciate ligaments.