Objective To summarize the research progress of Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treating partial thickness cartilage loss (PTCL) in the medial compartment of the knee joint, aiming to further clarify the indications and optimize the effectiveness of Oxford UKA. MethodsA comprehensive review of recent domestic and international literature on Oxford UKA for PTCL in the medial compartment of the knee joint was conducted to summarize its application and research advancements. ResultsBased on current researches, the main indication for Oxford UKA is full thinckness cartilage loss in the medial compartment of the knee joint. Although it has shown certain effectiveness in treating PTCL in the medial compartment of the knee joint, there are also reports of opposite conclusions. Therefore, there is still controversy over whether Oxford UKA can be chosen for PTCL, and the large-sample and multi-center studies are needed to further clarify the controversy. Studies indicate that accurate preoperative assessment of cartilage damage severity is crucial for selecting appropriate candidates for Oxford UKA to optimize postoperative effectiveness. ConclusionOxford UKA may represent an effective treatment for patients with PTCL in the medial compartment of the knee joint. However, strict patient selection and precise preoperative evaluation are essential to ensure surgical success and long-term effectiveness.