UNI KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
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U K A is a resurfacing technique of an only one femoro-tibial compartment that is indicated in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis. |
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INDICATIONS
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The following guidelines should be considered when planning a UKA
- Age 55 years or older.
- Alignment
Epiphyseal tibial bow < 5° of the natural varus.
In case of malalignement >5° a High Tibial Ostéotomymust be associated or a Total Knee Replacement may be indicated
- Ligaments Intact cruciates and collateral ligaments.
- BMI < 30
- Opposite compartment :
Meniscus : Must be intact slight fibrillation, Mild chondrocalsinosis is acceptable.
Articular cartilage : must be intact. Superficial fibrillation is acceptable.
- Flexion Contracture acceptable if < than 15° due to bony osteophytes.
- Patellofemoral Complete loss of articular cartilage would be a contraindication.
- Inflammatory arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other general arthritic conditions are a contra-indication.
medial arthrosis necrosis (IRM) lateral arthrosis
COMPONENTS
The devices are composed of a fixed cemented femoral component and a tibial plateau component (either metal-back tray fixed to the bone with a screw or a full polyethylene plateau cimented to the tibial bone) articulating by the intermediary of a polyethylene insert replacing the two damaged articular surfaces of an only one compartment.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
UKA is technically a demanding procedure with a low morbidity and excellent functional results.
The surgeon experience and training is important for a good result : a specialist is needed.
One of the advanced technique is minimally invasive UKA : It allowes less blood loss, less pain,
a shorter length of hospitalisation stay and an earlier return to function.
The technique of minimally invasive knee surgery involves many different steps, starting with the
length of the skin incision ( approximately 6 to 8 cm ), performing a medial or lateral arthrotomy
avoiding incision of the extensor mechanism, only incising 1cm of the vastus medialis fibers if
necessary, without everting the patella , using particular retractors and ancilary materials adapted
for smaller cutting guides.
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Once the bonecuts have been made, final soft-tissue balancing, trial reductions must be carefully completed to ensure adequate positioning, tacking and soft-tissue tension, and the absence of bone or implant conflict.
Implants are then fixed on bony surfaces : cimented or cimentless.
Wound closure is achieved with absorbable "vicryl" sutures and a succion drainage and skin closure with staples.
exemple of medial UKA with cimentless tibial plateau at 10 years folow-up
CHECK-UP BEFORE SURGERY
In order to detect vital risk for anesthesiology, and to assess a potential risk of post-operative complication in a short or long term follow-up, a medical questionnaire checking list is needed to be planed by the surgeon and his team.
Risk factors influencing complications are :
Factors increasing risk of infection
- Obesity is associated with a higher risk of infection. Individuals with a bodymass index
(BMI) >35 had a 2.1 times greater risk of infection compared with those with a lower BMI
- patients with osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis had a 2.2 times greater risk of infection compared
with those with osteoarthritis.
- diabetis
- previous infection of the joint
- arteritis
- tooth infection : a visit to dentist & panoramic dental X-Ray, and treatment
of dental problems are necessary to eliminate a potential risk of infection.
Factors increasing risks for medical complications
- American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)scores > 3 is at risk.
- Previous algo neuro dystrophy may be a recurrent risk.
- Previous deep veinous thrombosis is a predisposing factor to recurrent episode
POSTOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
You will stay 7 days in the surgical department of orthopaedics and then 7 days in the rehabilitation center.
Day of operation
The patients is mobilised at approximately 4 h post-op, under physiotherapist supervision. Straight leg raising exercises are encouraged, from a flexed position of the leg put on a pillow placed under the knee of the operated leg to allow the knee to rest in a fully flexed position.
Analgesia shedule plan systems are adapted.
First postoperative day
Ensuring that pain level is well controlled, the patients undergoes further range of motion, quadriceps, and hamstrings exercises twice a day under control of the physiotherapist. Sitting and walking are started. CPM is used twice a day.
Second , third, fourth postoperative day
The dressing was reduced to a light non-adherent dressing, and the drainage removed. Walking with a two sticks is started.
The patients continued to walk with the assistance of a frame or walking sticks. CPM is used twice a day. Active exercises are encouraged.
Fifth and subsequent postoperative days
The patients is encouraged to climb steps, to rollskate while sitting, and to walk safely with two sticks and climb stairs independently.
Seventh day
Wayout of the clinic and go home where exercises of muscles reinforcement, and stability are continued.
COMPLICATIONS
Even with a carefull act performed by perfectly trained team, any complications may happen the same as in all surgical acts. These are exceptionnal, The list below is not exhaustive :
- Infection is one of the most dreaded complications of total knee replacement.
It needs removal of TKA, lavage, drainage, antibiotics and wait for two months before reimplantation of a TKA.
The efficacy of prophylactic measures and risk factors play an important role.
Prophylactic mesures : laminar flow, body suits, drains, surgical time (length),
surgeon volume, and hospital volume the use of preoperative antibiotics.
Detection and treatment of risk factors : Obesity, diabetis, pre op treatment of
dental or urinary infection.
- Skin necrosis should well controlled with adapted local healthcare. Its prevention
is realised with a central skin incision. If not controled, the risk is to transmit an infection
to the prosthetic joint. A reoperation is necessary.
- Stiffness Outcome variation in range of motion exists despite excellent
surgical technique, refined implants, and uncomplicated postsurgical recovery. Mobilisation under
anesthesy without opening the knee is sometimes necessary at the end of first week if flexion
is still inferior to 90° and painfull.
- Phlebitis : preventive mesure (early mobilisation, anti-thrombotic socks,
low Weight Molecular Heparin anti-embolic prophylaxis for 6 weeks) and systematic echodoppler control
at 7th day allow the risk to be minimize ; in case it happens, an anticoagulation treatment is
started and rehabilitation is slowered.
- Hamstring tendinitis : it is a bursitis of the tendons sheath of the medial part of the knee that may occur during rehabilitation; it stops with antiinflammatory medications and eventualy a corticoïd injection
LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP
- Wear is not a short term problem : a regular follow-up control is necessary every three years. Overweight and overuse are favorable factors for bone loosening
- Loosening is not a short term problem : a regular follow-up control is necessary
every three years . Overweight and trauma are favorable factors for bone loosening
- Post-operative requirements :
- Do not overweight to prevent wear and loosening.
- Help with your arms o stand up from a chair, and climbing stairs to lessen the strains on the prosthesis.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you have a prosthetic knee so that in case of infection he gives you
adaquate treament with antibiotics to prevent an infection of the prosthetic knee that may occur
even years after your surgery
- Do exercises at home and at least walk 30 mn a day. Sports activities are possible according
to comorbidity, age, range of motion and stability, ; waiting 3 to 6 months after a TKA is the current
recommended waiting time for return to sporting (see special form).
OTHERS
>> Pre-operative rehabilitation
>> Post-operative rehabilitation
Last updated : 10/08/2008
