Summary

When comparing robotically assisted functionally aligned TKA with robotically assisted UKA, the UKA group had superior results in the first-year post-operative but there was no difference in outcomes between the two groups at 24 months.

Abstract

Introduction

Medial UKA and TKA are both effective treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee. Many studies have compared the outcomes of the two treatments but less so with the use of robotics or comparing UKA to individualised TKA alignment techniques. Functional alignment is a novel technique for performing a TKA and shares many principles with UKA. This study compares a case-matched series of robotic-assisted UKAs (RA-UKA) and robotic-assisted TKAs (RA-TKA) performed using functional alignment.

Methods

Patients within the Perth Hip and Knee Clinical Registry who underwent a RA-UKA were case-matched with patients who had undergone a functionally aligned RA-TKA. Post-operatively they were compared for differences in FJS, OKS, pain score, ROM, ability to ascend and descend stairs as well as kneel.

Results

101 matched pairs were eligible for final review. Both groups had significant improvements in FJS and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) following surgery. Pain and FJS had become equivalent at one year with all remaining measures being significantly better in the UKA cohort. At 2 years there was no significant difference between the UKA and TKA patients in any outcome measure observed.

Conclusion

Functionally Aligned RA-TKA and RA-UKA have both been shown to be successful treatments for knee arthritis in this study. The UKA group have superior results in the first year post-surgery, but there was no difference in outcomes between the two groups at 2 years. These outcomes should be considered when deciding appropriate treatment choice for individual patients in which either treatment could be utilised.