Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for severe medial compartment osteoarthritis with moderate lateral involvement: clinical outcomes

• Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) provides equivalent clinical outcomes to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 2 years postoperatively in patients with severe medial and moderate lateral compartment osteoarthritis. • UKA offers superior early functional recovery, with better American Knee Association Score and WOMAC scores at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively compared to TKA. • UKA demonstrates better joint perception (forgotten joint score) and gait parameters (speed and stride length) at 1 year postoperatively, indicating biomechanical advantages. • No significant progression of lateral compartment osteoarthritis was observed within 2 years, but long-term monitoring is required; patient selection and informed consent are crucial.