Converting a prior joint-preserving procedure, such as an osteotomy, to a joint replacement after it fails.
Conversion arthroplasty is performed when an earlier joint-preserving operation, such as high tibial osteotomy, no longer controls symptoms and the patient proceeds to unicompartmental or total knee replacement. Prior hardware, altered anatomy, and soft-tissue scarring from the index procedure can make conversion technically more demanding than a primary arthroplasty.
This guide was auto-drafted and is pending editorial review.