Abstract
BACKGROUND: Isolated antero-medial osteoarthritis (AMOA) of the knee is a distinct pattern of arthritis. Medial arthritis of the knee in select patients can be managed with uni-compartmental arthroplasty (UKA), with studies showing shorter hospital stay, faster rehabilitation and reduced medical complications in the post-operative period compared to TKA. However, the prevalence of AMOA in Indian patients with osteoarthritis of the knee is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AMOA in patients undergoing primary TKA for OA. METHODS: This was a prospective evaluation of 2518 knees in 1936 patients who were selected for primary TKA. Pre-operative radiographs were screened based on the Oxford UKA Radiological decision aid and diagnosis of AMOA was established. All 2518 knees underwent primary total knee arthroplasty and cases of AMOA were confirmed intra-operatively based on ACL integrity, lateral compartment wear and medial compartment wear pattern. Cases with AMOA arthritic wear pattern were considered amenable for UKA if radiographs showed intact lateral joint space, intra-operatively those with intact and functional ACL, acceptable patellofemoral wear (Outerbridge I-II). RESULTS: We report a prevalence of 46.94% of AMOA, who were amenable for UKA. Obese patients were more likely to have a damaged or non-functional ACL and more likely to have a high degree of wear, not amenable for UKA (p < 0.05). Non-functional ACL was associated with higher prevalence of posterior extension of arthritic wear. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high prevalence (46.94%) of antero-medial osteoarthritis (AMOA), amenable for UKA. Patient selection is important for improving outcomes after TKA or UKA. Future studies are warranted to compare outcomes of both UKA and TKA in patients with isolated AMOA of the knee.