Isolated patellofemoral replacement

Abstract

Isolated symptomatic patellofemoral arthritis (PFOA), which was considered rare in the past, has been reported in 8% of women and 2% of men over the age of 55 [1]. In addition, radiological changes in the absence of severe symptoms are even more frequent, despite the fact that many physicians do not take skyline radiographs. [2]. However the number of cases in which isolated patellofemoral replacement (PFR) is indicated remains small, probably about 1% of the cases that come to any form of knee replacement, despite the fact that anterior knee pain is the most common condition seen in a general knee clinic. This condition, which is usually benign and self limiting, should be managed primarily with physiotherapy, although some surgeons suggest that subtle instability can be corrected. However, the condition is definitely not an indication for PFR, which should almost always be reserved for patients with radiological evidence of arthritic change.