Background and aims Unicompartmental knee arthoplasty is an alternative to a total knee arthroplasty which has the advantages of less invasive surgery, reduced anaesthetic and surgical time and has been demonstrated to be suitable for day surgery¹. Our department developed a new multidisciplinary service to provide daycase surgery for patients who were assessed as suitable for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Methods Patients were assessed as being suitable for unicompartmental knee arthoplasty and for day surgery under strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consent was obtained in clinic at the time of boarding for daycase surgery. Patients were admitted to the ward on the morning of surgery, had spinal anaesthesia and adductor canal blocks and surgery performed. Patients were discharged to the ward and assessed by physiotherapists before being discharged home with a clear analgesia plan and emergency contact number. Follow up on day 1, 5 and week 6 was arranged.

Results Twelve patients were included in the pilot study. All received the same anaesthetic management. Nine (75%) patients were discharged on the day of surgery. All patients were discharged with the same pharmacy pack. Ninety percent (90%) of patients were very satisfied/satisfied with the service.

Conclusions The successful development of a new multidisciplinary daycase unicompartmental knee athroplasty service has been well received with benefits to the patients and their relatives, and instilled enthusiasm into the staff and the trust to drive this service forward.