32 unicondylar knee replacements in 30 patients were done between 1972 and 1974. 10 patients were lost to follow-up because of death or other reasons. The remaining 22 knees (17 medial and 5 lateral compartments replaced) had a follow-up ranging from 5 to 7 years, with an average of 6 years. Although the quality and result of these unicondylar arthroplasties were initially considered good, they have subsequently shown a marked deterioration. At the time of this report only one knee was rated as excellent; 7 knees, as good; 4 knees, as fair; and 10 knees, as poor. 7 knees (28 per cent) have been converted to a bicondylar prosthesis. The lateral replacements did much better than the medial replacements.
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32 unicondylar knee replacements in 30 patients were done between 1972 and 1974. 10 patients were lost to follow-up because of death or other reasons. The remaining 22 knees (17 medial and 5 lateral compartments replaced) had a follow-up ranging from 5 to 7 years, with an average of 6 years. Although the quality and result of these unicondylar arthroplasties were initially considered good, they have subsequently shown a marked deterioration. At the time of this report only one knee was rated as excellent; 7 knees, as good; 4 knees, as fair; and 10 knees, as poor. 7 knees (28 per cent) have been converted to a bicondylar prosthesis. The lateral replacements did much better than the medial replacements.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.