One stage unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after a minimum follow-up of 10 years

Treatment for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis is controversial in young patients with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. The aim of the current study is to report long-term results after the combination of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and ACL reconstruction. Retrospective study of one-stage medial UKA and ACL reconstruction performed on 8 patients at a mean age of 52 years (42 to 60). Clinical and radiological results were assessed and analyzed after a mean follow-up of 14.6 years. A control cohort of 8 patients with intact ACL, treated by UKA in isolation, was selected for a comparative study. Patients were very satisfied and mean personal satisfaction rate was 8.8 (4 to 10). At the last follow-up, mean WOMAC score was 26 (1 to 52) and mean global KSS was 154 (102 to 200). No statistically significant differences were found between groups. One revision surgery to total knee arthroplasty was performed 9 years after the combined procedure due to aseptic loosening. One more case of clinical deterioration was observed.<br>Satisfactory mid-term results are achieved with the combined UKA and ACL reconstruction, which represents a good alternative to preserve bone stock and functional level of the knee in young patients. However, clinical deterioration can be observed in the long-term follow-up.