Minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement: rationale and correct indications

In the early 1990s, unicompartmental knee replacements (UKRs) were almost forgotten as an option for the management of unicompartmental arthritis of the knee, and the two principal surgical options became proximal tibial osteotomy and total knee replacement. The recent introduction of minimally invasive techniques has renewed interest in unicompartmental knee replacement. The proposed advantages of UKR over proximal tibial osteotomy include more predictable relief of pain, quicker recovery, and better long-term results. In appropriate cases, it has advantages over total arthroplasty in providing more physiologic function, better range of movement, easier salvage in case of failure, and quicker recovery because of minimally invasive techniques.