The Oxford Unicompartmental knee (partial Kneee) requires an intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Without an ACL the results are less good (10% worse).

Some people have early arthritis of a pattern that would be suitable for an Oxford Partial knee and then rupture their ACL. It is possible to reconstuct the ACL using an arthroscopic (key hole) technique and then carryout the Minimally Invasive Oxford Unicompartmental knee replacement at the same time.

This combination Surgery was pioneered at Oford and is now used eslewhere.

The combined problems of ACL tear / rupture and medial arthritis - suitable for an Oxford- are more common than one would think. This is because in early Medial Arthritis there are bone spurs (osteophytes) which rub against the ACL and weaken it. Infact this rubbing is thought to be the cause of the inability to straighten one's leg fully. At arthroscopy or at partial knee replacement these bone spurs are removed.

This option is suitable for the young(ish) active person in whom a total knee replacement would place significant limitations on thier lifestyle. An Oxford can be regarded as a preknee replacement putting off the need for a total knee replacement.