Our Summary

This research paper is about a type of knee surgery called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This surgery is used to treat osteoarthritis in just one part of the knee joint, usually the inside part. The researchers wanted to find out how often this type of surgery needed to be redone (revised), when it typically had to be revised, and why it needed to be revised.

To get this information, the researchers looked at 56 different studies that included over 13,500 patients. The patients were mostly women and were, on average, about 66 years old. The studies followed these patients for an average of 13 years after their surgery.

The researchers found that about 9% of the surgeries had to be redone at some point. On average, the time when the surgery had to be redone was about 6.5 years after the initial surgery.

This study is a systematic review, meaning it compiles and analyzes data from many different studies to give a bigger picture of what’s going on. This is a high level of evidence in medical research.

FAQs

  1. What is unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and what is it used to treat?
  2. What percentage of UKA surgeries typically need to be redone, and when does this usually occur?
  3. What is a systematic review and why is it considered a high level of evidence in medical research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy exercises and taking prescribed medications. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the knee replacement and address any concerns or issues that may arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help promote overall knee health and longevity of the replacement joint.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for knee replacement surgery, specifically unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), include those with osteoarthritis in just one part of the knee joint, usually the inside part. These patients may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected knee joint.

In general, candidates for knee replacement surgery are those who have tried conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, but continue to experience significant pain and limitations in daily activities. They may also have imaging studies showing significant joint damage and deformity.

The average age of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery is around 66 years old, although age alone is not the sole determining factor for recommending surgery. Other factors such as overall health, activity level, and severity of symptoms also play a role in the decision-making process.

It is important for patients considering knee replacement surgery to discuss their individual case with a healthcare provider, who can assess their specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Timeline

Before knee replacement:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility due to osteoarthritis.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor who recommends knee replacement surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare team and makes a decision to proceed with knee replacement.

After knee replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes knee replacement surgery, where damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the knee.
  3. Patient experiences initial pain and discomfort after surgery, which gradually improves over time.
  4. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and experiences improved quality of life with reduced knee pain and improved mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after UKA surgery?
  3. How long can I expect the results of the surgery to last before needing revision?
  4. What factors may increase the likelihood of needing a revision surgery after UKA?
  5. What is the success rate of UKA surgery in terms of pain relief and improved function?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or surgeries that should be considered before opting for UKA?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  8. How experienced are you in performing UKA surgeries and what is your success rate?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after undergoing UKA surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare for surgery and what should I expect during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Migliorini F, Bosco F, Schäfer L, Cocconi F, Kämmer D, Bell A, Vaish A, Koettnitz J, Eschweiler J, Vaishya R. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Dec 2;25(1):985. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-08112-7. PMID: 39623393