Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in the over 70 population

Unicompartmental prosthesis (UKA) is a viable option for the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis, most often confined to the medial compartment. Appear to have been well codified indications, contraindications, and surgical techniques related to unicompartmental arthroplasty. The data in the literature show that the selection criteria can be divided into general origin factors (age, weight, activity level) and local factors, more closely related to the joint to be treated [1,2]. The patient's age over 65 years and the functional requirements of a sedentary activity comparable to justify its use in elderly patients with clinical signs and imaging involvement of only one of the joint compartments [3]. We agree, however, with those who recommend its use in older subjects, since it is well tolerated, with low morbidity, reduced blood loss, better preservation of the joint and saving of bone tissue. Other advantages include lower costs, shorter hospitalization, faster rehabilitation and conferment of a greater than pre-op functional efficiency that fully meets the needs of elderly patients. The authors report their experience in 12 patients treated surgically implanting a unicompartmental prosthesis.