Early outcomes of the Tahoe Unicondylar Knee System: A prospective multicentric study

Background and Aims: The Tahoe Unicondylar Knee System (TUKS) includes several designs features with the aim to achieve enhanced anatomic conformity and optimal knee biomechanics through a minimally invasive, bone-sparing surgical approach. This study aimed to evaluate the early clinical and radiographic results of the TUKS implant in patients undergoing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: This prospective, multicentric study analyzed the clinicoradiographic data of 104 UKAs performed in patients with severe medial knee osteoarthritis. Pre- and postoperative Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Knee Society Functional Score (KSFS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were compared in all patients. Coronal femoral component angle (cFCA), sagittal femoral component angle (sFCA), coronal tibial component angle (cTCA), tibial slope angle (TSA), and femorotibial angle (FTA) were analyzed on postoperative knee radiographs. Results: The mean preoperative KSKS, KSFS, and WOMAC scores significantly improved ( P < 0.0001) at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The mean postoperative cFCA, sFCA, cTCA, TSA, and FTA were within acceptable limits. Two (2%) knees had a postoperative tibial fracture which occurred within 3 months of UKA surgery and which required conversion to TKA with long stem tibial components. Conclusions: This early outcome study indicates that the TUKS can be a promising option for patients undergoing medial UKA with excellent short-term functional recovery and radiographic outcomes. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm implant survivorship, outcomes, and complication rates.