Anatomical and Biomechanical Features of the Lateral Compartment of the Knee and Associated Technical Aspects of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Lecture

Abstract

The frequency of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is estimated at 1% of the total volume of knee arthroplasties, according to contemporary literature. Recent studies analyzing this type of surgical intervention indicate that when performed with proper indications and technical accuracy, it is equally effective and safe as total knee arthroplasty. Potential advantages of partial knee replacement include reduced invasiveness compared to total knee arthroplasty, lower perioperative blood loss, faster patient rehabilitation, and preservation of native joint proprioception. However, it is important to consider that successful implementation of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty requires not only appropriate patient selection but also technical proficiency, advanced operating room equipment, and precise surgical techniques performed by experienced surgeons. Failure to meet these conditions can negate the potential benefits and may lead to early revision surgery. It is evident that unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is not simply a half-operation of total joint replacement, and the lateral compartments partial arthroplasty only shares general similarities with the more popular and established medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The differences lie primarily in the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral compartment, which present a challenging task even with the use of modern anatomically designed implants. The development of robotic surgery and personalized joint implants may help overcome these challenges more effectively. However, in our current routine practice, we rely on conventional instruments and strive to optimize our techniques. The authors of this article aim to provide an overview of the contemporary understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral compartment of the knee and the specific technical aspects related to partial lateral arthroplasty using a fixed tibial platform implant.

Keywords

• lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
• knee anatomy
• knee biomechanics