Unicompartmental Knee Replacement and Return to Sport

The rise in sports participation driven by the health benefits of an active lifestyle has led to increased interest in returning to sport (RTS) after knee arthroplasty. While the primary aim of knee arthroplasty was traditionally pain relief and improved daily function, many patients now aspire to resume sports activities post-surgery. However, despite advancements in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) technology, RTS is not guaranteed, and some activities may remain unrealistic following surgery. Unmet expectations regarding participation in desired activities are a common cause of postoperative dissatisfaction. Research indicates that patients engaging in sports activities after UKA tend to be more satisfied with their surgical outcomes. This chapter aims to explore the critical considerations surrounding RTS following UKA.