Age-stratified analysis of HTO and UKA clinical effects in cross-indicated anterior medial osteoarthritis

To compare clinical outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for anterior medial osteoarthritis (AMOA) as well as offer surgical recommendations through age stratification. Between May 2019 and May 2021, 68 cross-indicated AMOA patients were analyzed. The patients were divided into HTO and UKA groups and further into two age groups of 55–60 and 60–65 years. Additionally, general data, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS) were analyzed. All the patients were followed up for 18 months. Knee joint HSS significantly improved, and VAS score decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). In the 55–60 age group, HTO showed superior knee HSS at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at 6, 12, and 18 months. HTO had a significantly lower VAS score at one month, and the VAS scores of the two groups decreased gradually with no significant difference. In the 60–65 age group, the UKA group showed superior knee joint HSS at one month, with no significant difference at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The UKA group had a significantly lower VAS score at one month, and both groups’ VAS scores decreased gradually with no significant difference. Both methods yield satisfactory results for AMOA cross-indications, improving knee joint function. The observed recovery trends have implications for personalized surgical recommendations, guiding interventions based on age-specific considerations for optimal outcomes in anterior medial osteoarthritis cases.