Comparative outcomes of single condylar replacement and total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A controlled clinical study

Introduction Osteoarthritis is a frequent degenerative joint disease, affecting older individuals in particular. When non-surgical treatment options are no longer effective or warranted, surgical options include single condylar replacement (SCR) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The optimal surgical approach for elderly patients remains a subject of debate, particularly with respect to short-term recovery and functional outcomes. Materials and Methods 82 elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis treated between March 2022 and May 2023 were included in this controlled clinical study. Patients were allocated to the SCR group (n = 41) or TKA group (n = 41) based on clinical indication and patient preference in this non-randomized controlled study. Perioperative parameters, early postoperative inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6), pain severity (visual analogue scale), knee function (Knee Society Score and Hospital for Special Surgery score), knee mobility, and short-term postoperative complications were evaluated. Results SCR was associated with shorter operative time and improved short-term functional outcomes compared with TKA. Early postoperative CRP, IL-6, and VAS scores were lower in the SCR group (p < 0.05). At 6 months, knee mobility and functional scores (KSS, HSS, and AIMS2-SF) were higher in the SCR group (p < 0.05). Differences in complication rates were observed, but should be interpreted cautiously given the short follow-up. Conclusion SCR was associated with improved short-term perioperative recovery and functional outcomes in selected elderly patients. Given the non-randomized design and short follow-up, these findings reflect association rather than superiority. Long-term outcomes and implant survival require confirmation in larger studies with extended follow-up.