While the literature reports good outcomes for many current total knee systems, clinical scores do not necessarily reflect patient satisfaction or function.  The primary advantages of a unicondylar knee arthroplasty over a total knee arthroplasty—proprioception and more normal gait due to the retention of the ACL and preservation of the capsular structures—have been noted in several studies. 

While the UKA appears to have many benefits, its indications are limited.  One study found that with a strict adherence to selection criteria, only 6% of patients might be considered candidates for a UKA.¹   

In many total knee arthroplasty situations, the medial and patellofemoral compartments are affected, and the lateral compartment is pristine.

• A study of 100 consecutive patients found that 73 displayed this pattern of wear²
• In a series of 600 patients, patellofemoral arthritis was associated with medial femorotibial narrowing in 65% of cases³

The JOURNEY^◊ DEUCE^◊ Bi-Compartmental Knee System is a revolutionary concept where the medial tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments are replaced with a monolithic femoral component and medial uni tibial component that allows for the benefits of unicondylar arthroplasty to be applied in situations where a total knee arthroplasty would typically be performed.

Clinical References

<sub>1. Laurencin CT, Zelicof SB, Scott RD, Ewald FC. Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty in the same patient. A comparative study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991 Dec;(273):151–156.
2. Stern SH, Becker MW, Insall JN. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty. An evaluation of selection criteria. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993 Jan;(286):143–148.
3. Rolston L, Sprague J, Tsai S, Salehi A. A novel bone/ligament sparing prosthesis for the treatment of patellofemoral and medial compartment osteoarthritis. AAOS 2006 Annual Meeting, Poster #P181.
4. Cartier P, Sanouiller JL, Grelsamer R. Patellofemoral arthroplasty. 2-12-year follow-up study. J Arthroplasty. 1990 Mar;5(1):49–55.</sub>