What's the Most Common Type of Partial Knee Replacement?
Medial UKA is by far the most common — over 80% of partial replacements worldwide.
The medial unicompartmental knee replacement (medial UKA) is the most common type because the medial (inside) compartment carries more load than the lateral side and is the first to wear out in most patients.
Lateral UKA, addressing the outer compartment, is less common but increasingly successful with modern implants and improved understanding of the lateral compartment's unique biomechanics. Patellofemoral replacement (resurfacing under the kneecap) is the third type and is reserved for isolated patellofemoral arthritis.
In our practice, medial UKA is supported by long-term published outcomes specific to South African patients.
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