Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is associated with nearer-normal gait characteristics and higher patient satisfaction compared to total knee arthroplasty

UKA-L restores healthy gait characteristics at top walking speeds. Compared to TKA, faster walking speeds, nearer-normal vertical ground reaction forces, longer stride lengths, and a more consistent gait pattern demonstrate the importance of functional cruciate ligaments to gait. UKA-L is associated with high patient satisfaction and good quality of life in the treatment of isolated lateral compartment arthrosis.