Osteoarthritis Management Options

Interpositional discs are not mainstream but are still being used, and hence they are included here for discussion.

First published in 2016, and reviewed August 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Metallic discs - or spacers - which are surgically slotted in between the femur and the tibia, to adjust the contact surfaces and the forces through the joint. These are really not mainstream, although they are being used and evaluated in long-term studies.

• Unispacer
• Orthoglide

Unispacer

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The first interpositional disc on the market - the earlier results highlighted several problems, including problems of sudden migration (dislocation) of the disc.

Orthoglide

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A more stable implant with a posterior lip, which minimises movement. This disc has been designed for the medial side of the joint only.