Advances in Research on the Postoperative Outcomes of Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts mobility and quality of life. Surgical interventions, including Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA), are widely used to alleviate symptoms and restore joint function. This paper reviews recent advances in research on the postoperative outcomes of these two procedures, comparing key factors such as hospital stay, implant survival, functional recovery, complication rates, and patient-reported satisfaction. Findings indicate that UKA offers advantages in short-term recovery, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction, making it a preferred option for select patients with isolated compartmental arthritis. In contrast, TKA remains the gold standard for extensive KOA, providing superior long-term implant survival and lower revision rates despite a longer recovery period. The choice between UKA and TKA should be guided by patient-specific factors, including disease severity, activity level, and surgeon expertise. This review underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making to optimize surgical outcomes for KOA patients.