The unicompartmental knee prosthesis only replaces one of the knee compartments, depending on whether the wear of the articular cartilage, produced by osteoarthritis, is external or internal.
What do unicompartmental prostheses consist of?
These knee prostheses consist of two components, one femoral, which covers and adapts to the condyle and another tibial, which is fixed by means of cement to the half of the affected tibia and that can be only of polyethylene or with metallic tray.
The most frequent pathologies are the affectations of the isolated internal compartment, occasionally also of the external one. The origin of these isolated wear is usually caused by trauma, pain after arthroscopy, osteochondritis or chondral ulcers limited to only one condyle.
They are not new prostheses, but their use is increasing, currently representing, in some countries, up to approximately 14% of total prostheses.
The main advantage is the preservation of bone and ligaments. Only the affected part is replaced, so it is not always feasible to indicate this type of replacement.
The placement requires more precision, it is not governed by the same technical principles as a total prosthesis.