Promising outcomes of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency patients

AIM: Recent studies challenge the initial belief that medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is contraindicated for patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD) due to increased risk of periprosthetic tibial fractures, revealing promising outcomes with advancements in surgical techniques and patient selection. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who received medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. METHODS: Five patients, aged 59-74, with knee pain, joint instability, and limited mobility, were treated for medial compartment osteoarthritis and ACLD using an Oxford design mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee prosthesis. RESULTS: Medial UKA offers excellent clinical outcomes in ACL-deficient patients, improving knee function and reducing pain. It challenges the traditional view of ACLD as a contraindication, preserving knee kinematics and offering enhanced postoperative recovery. Advances in surgical techniques and prosthesis design expand their suitability. CONCLUSION: Medial UKA may be a viable treatment option for Osteoarthritis patients with ACLD, potentially offering an alternative to total knee arthroplasty.