Clinical Report: Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of UKA in Older Adults

Overview

This study evaluates the mid-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Mobile-Bearing versus Fixed-Bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Findings indicate differences in pain relief, functional recovery, medical costs, and complication risks between the two designs.

Background

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical intervention for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis, aiming to restore knee function. The choice between Mobile-Bearing and Fixed-Bearing designs influences clinical outcomes and economic factors.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The Mobile-Bearing Group had a longer surgical time compared to the Fixed-Bearing Group (P < 0.001).
• Mid-term VAS scores were lower in the Mobile-Bearing Group.
• The HSS score and joint range of motion were higher in the Mobile-Bearing Group (P < 0.05).
• Higher incidence of liner dislocation was observed in the Mobile-Bearing Group.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that the Mobile-Bearing Group had higher direct medical costs but also achieved more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).
• Fixed-Bearing unicompartmental arthroplasty is considered a more economical alternative.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should weigh the benefits of improved pain relief and functional outcomes with Mobile-Bearing designs against the higher costs and complication risks. The Fixed-Bearing option may be more suitable for patients prioritizing cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Mobile-Bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty offers different mid-term outcomes compared to Fixed-Bearing designs, with variations in costs and complication risks.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Comparison of Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness between Mobile-Bearing and Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Elderly Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
2. Minimally Invasive Oxford Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Aged 50 and Younger, 2022
3. Comparative Analysis of Mobile and Fixed Bearing Implants in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis, 2022
4. Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcomes in Mobile and Fixed Bearing Total Knee Implants: A Randomized Controlled Study, 2011
5. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Influence of Age on Outcomes Following Cementless Mobile Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery
6. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline on Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
7. Unicompartmental knee replacement: controversies and technical considerations | Arthroplasty | Springer Nature Link
8. Fixed versus mobile bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with the same femoral implant design: a randomised controlled trial with a minimum of 10-year follow-up - ScienceDirect
9. Mobile Versus Fixed-Bearing in Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: An Average 10-Year Follow-Up
10. Similar tibial and femoral component fixation of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A radiostereometry study with 5-year follow-up - PubMed
11. Executive summary - The National Joint Registry 22nd Annual Report 2025 - NCBI Bookshelf
12. National Trends in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty During a Period of Major Survivorship Improvements: Insights From the Dutch Arthroplasty Register - ScienceDirect
13. Frontiers | Comparison of Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness between Mobile-Bearing and Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Elderly Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study