Anterior knee pain and evidence of osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint should not be considered contraindications to mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Severe damage to the lateral side of the PFJ with bone loss and grooving remains a contraindication to mobile-bearing UKA. Less severe damage to the lateral side of the PFJ and damage to the medial side, however severe, does not compromise the overall function or survival, so should not be considered to be a contraindication. However, if a patient does have full thickness cartilage loss on the lateral side of the PFJ they may have a slight compromise in their ability to descend stairs. Pre-operative anterior knee pain also does not compromise the functional outcome or survival and should not be considered to be a contraindication. Cite this article: <i>Bone Joint J</i> 2017;99-B:632-9.