Objective To conclude the research progress of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in the treatment of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods The literature on UKA at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed to summarize the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with KOA, perioperative management (including evaluating indications preoperatively, intraoperative prosthesis selection, postoperative complication management, etc). Results Through reasonable preoperative evaluation, prosthesis selection, and advanced perioperative management, for elderly patients with KOA who meet the indications, UKA can be considered. Compared with total knee arthroplasty, the incidence of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing UKA is lower, joint awareness is reduced, functional improvement and satisfaction are higher. Meanwhile, choosing appropriate prostheses and fixation methods can lead to a good survival rate. ConclusionUKA can provide a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with KOA within a certain range of indications.