What Happens if Partial Knee Replacement Fails?
Revision to a total knee replacement is the usual answer — and outcomes are good.
Failure of a UKA usually means one of: progressive arthritis in another compartment, loosening of the implant over time, or polyethylene wear. Most failures occur gradually rather than suddenly, with a return of pain and reduced function.
Treatment is conversion to a total knee replacement. Because UKA preserves bone, the conversion is closer to a primary TKR than a complex revision in most cases. Published outcomes show implant survival and function similar to a primary total replacement.
Failures are rare in the first 10 years (about 5–8%) and almost always manageable. The 'safety net' of straightforward conversion is part of why UKA is a reasonable first operation for the right patient.
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