Patients return to work sooner after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty than after total knee arthroplasty

A multicenter retrospective study by Kievit, A. et al.,¹ has found that significantly more PKR patients returned to work within 3 months (73%) than TKR patients (48%).

The study compared 157 Oxford^® PKRs with 167 TKRs, with similar age and gender mix at a minimum 2 years’ follow-up, aiming to address the following questions:

• Whether patients returned to work sooner following PKA compared to TKA
• Whether PKA patients had better WORQ (Work, Osteoarthritis, or joint-Replacement Questionnaire) function scores compared to TKR patients
• If PKA patients have higher workability (capable of working) scores and greater satisfaction regarding workability than TKR patients

The authors found more PKR patients return to work within 3 months (73% versus 48%) (p < 0.01). WORQ scores improved similarly in both groups. The dissatisfaction rates with workability were very similar.

By returning to work sooner after surgery, the authors concluded that it improves the quality of life for PKR patients and “allows them to participate actively in society”.

Study funded by Zimmer Biomet.

In the United States (US), the Oxford Partial Knee is intended for use in individuals with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis limited to the medial compartment of the knee and is intended to be implanted with bone cement; it is not indicated for use in the lateral compartment or for patients with ligament deficiency. Potential risks include, but are not limited to, loosening, dislocation, fracture, wear, and infection, any of which can require additional surgery. For complete prescribing information, see the package insert and www.zimmerbiomet.com. 

Various countries outside of the US offer Oxford partial knees intended for lateral use and Oxford Partial Knees with cementless application; these devices are not available for sale in the US. Check for local product clearances and reference product specific instructions for use.