Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Uni-Compartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative joint condition that leads to pain, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has emerged as an effective surgical option for patients with isolated compartmental involvement, as it preserves normal knee biomechanics and allows faster recovery compared with total knee arthroplasty. Evaluation of functional and clinical outcomes following this procedure is important to determine its effectiveness in improving patient mobility and quality of life.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at BhagyodayMultispeciality Hospital, Kadi, Gujarat, from September 2025 to December 2025. A total of 20 patients diagnosed with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee and undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were included in the study. Demographic and clinical details were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Oxford Knee Score and range of motion measurements before and after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results: The majority of patients belonged to the 51–60 years age group (35%), and females constituted 55% of the study population. The right knee was involved in 60% of patients. Significant improvement in functional outcomes was observed following surgery. The mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 22.4 ± 5.6 preoperatively to 39.8 ± 4.2 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean range of motion increased from 96.5 ± 11.4 degrees before surgery to 121.3 ± 8.6 degrees after surgery (p < 0.001). Based on postoperative functional assessment, 45% of patients had excellent outcomes and 35% had good outcomes. Postoperative complications were minimal, with 85% of patients recovering without any complications.

Conclusion: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is an effective surgical procedure for patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The procedure provides significant improvement in knee function, increased range of motion, and satisfactory clinical outcomes with a low complication rate when performed in appropriately selected patients.