Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty: Why Mess with Success?

This chapter explores the management of end stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the aging athlete. In this population, the focus shifts from solely pain relief to enabling a return to specific athletic activities. Different and higher patient expectations cause the need for more careful consideration of surgical techniques, implant selection, and rehabilitation. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the gold standard, offering broad indications, and a high success rate overall. Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) targets isolated OA and demonstrates higher return -to -sport rates. Literature suggests both options favour lowimpact activities. Both UKA and TKA are successful options in the treatment of end stage knee OA, even in an active and athletic population. Oper Tech Sports Med 32:151085 (c) 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.