A SYSTEMATIC meta-analysis reported 88.0% returning to sport after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, regardless of implant design.
Sport Participation After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is commonly used for isolated compartmental knee osteoarthritis, particularly among younger, active patients where return to sport is a priority outcome. A new systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify whether implant design, surgical technique, compartment treated, or patient factors meaningfully influence return to sport after UKA, and to enable clearer comparison with outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
The authors searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies published from 2016 to April 2025 that reported return to sport outcomes following UKA. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the modified Coleman Methodology Score. Weighted means and proportions were calculated, and correlation analyses explored associations between return to sport and patient or surgical variables.
Key Findings on Return to Sport and Predictors
Across 13 included studies, representing 1,675 patients, the overall weighted mean return to sport rate after UKA was 87.97%. A substantial proportion of patients resumed intermediate and high impact sports, supporting the view that UKA can facilitate return to demanding physical activity in appropriately selected individuals.
Notably, return to sport did not differ significantly between fixed bearing and mobile bearing implants, between medial and lateral UKA, or between robotic assisted and standard techniques. In contrast, patient factors appeared more influential. The analysis identified a moderate negative correlation between BMI and return to sport (r = -0.69, p = 0.019), suggesting higher BMI may be associated with lower likelihood of returning to sport after UKA.
When compared with TKA, UKA was associated with a higher return to sport rate (87.97% versus 72%), alongside a broader range of sports participation and greater involvement in intermediate and high impact activities. The authors concluded these findings can support shared decision making and more personalized postoperative planning.
Reference: Cerasoli T et al. Sport participation after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: High return rates independent of implant design or technique, a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Exp Orthop. 2026;13(1):e70514.
