Partial unicondylar arthroplasty with three-dimensional-printed porous tantalum prosthesis shows promising early results for focal osteochondral defects: a retrospective comparative study with average of 49.6-month follow-up

This initial study is the first to apply personalized PUCA with 3DP porous tantalum prostheses for FOCD, demonstrating promising early outcomes compared with UKA, such as delayed progression of osteoarthritis, effective pain relief, and improved knee function and quality of life. PUCA notably preserves more native tissue and adapts to individual defects, making it clinically feasible by offering a potentially better option for future FOCD management.