Patient-perceived outcomes and return to sport and work: TKA versus mini-incision unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Few reports have been published about patient-perceived outcomes and return to sport following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This article compares the two procedures using self-assessment questionnaires to determine whether there was a difference in patient-perceived Oxford scores, return to sport, and return to work. Patient-perceived outcomes of mini-incision UKA (Oxford; Biomet Inc, Warsaw, Ind) and TKA were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 12 months after surgery. A total of 150 patients underwent 183 UKAs (mean age: 71.5 years; standard deviation [SD]: 9.85) and 120 patients underwent 142 TKAs (mean age: 71.53 years; SD: 9.87). Oxford knee questionnaires were used assessing modified Grimby score, sports, and work activities. Mean Oxford knee score (22.17; SD: 9.03) for UKA was superior to TKA (24.5; SD: 9.68) (P=.04) scores. Mean modified Grimby score for UKA (3.89; SD:1.27) was superior to TKA (2.76; SD:1.12) (P<.0001). More patients returned to or increased sports following UKA (P=.0003), but no sooner than TKA patients. Patient-perceived Oxford and modified Grimby scores were better and sporting activity was greater following mini-incision UKA compared to TKA.