Patellofemoral Replacement
🦵 What Is a Patellofemoral Replacement?
A Patellofemoral Replacement (also known as patellofemoral arthroplasty) is a type of knee surgery where only the patellofemoral joint (the part of the knee where the kneecap meets the thighbone) is replaced with an artificial component. Unlike a total knee replacement, which replaces the entire knee joint, a patellofemoral replacement targets only the front part of the knee.
🧑⚕️ Who Needs a Patellofemoral Replacement?
This surgery is typically recommended for people who:
Have arthritis or cartilage damage specifically in the patellofemoral joint (often causing pain at the front of the knee)
Experience kneecap pain, instability, or difficulty with activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or kneeling
Are not yet candidates for a total knee replacement, meaning the damage is isolated to the patellofemoral joint and the rest of the knee is still healthy.
🛠️ How Is It Done?
The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage from the femur and patella.
The damaged surfaces are then replaced with metal and plastic components that resurface the femur and patella, allowing for smooth motion.
The rest of the knee joint (the tibia and the ligaments) is left intact, unlike a total knee replacement.
This procedure is less invasive compared to a total knee replacement, as only a small portion of the knee is operated on. It can be done using traditional or robotic-assisted techniques for greater precision.
🕒 Recovery Timeline
Hospital stay: Typically 1–2 days
Walking: Most people can begin walking with crutches the same day or the day after the operation.
Physiotherapy: Starts soon after surgery to restore knee function and strength. Rehabilitation focuses on improving knee movement and muscle strength around the joint.
Return to normal activities: 4–6 weeks
Full recovery: 3–6 months, with gradual return to low-impact activities like walking and swimming.
🎯 Benefits of Patellofemoral Replacement
Faster recovery than total knee replacement due to smaller surgical area
Less invasive with no need to replace the entire knee joint
Significant reduction in pain and improved knee function
Helps patients with isolated patellofemoral joint damage to delay or avoid total knee replacement
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
Not suitable for widespread arthritis in the knee — if other parts of the knee are damaged, a total knee replacement may be more appropriate.
Implant wear and progression of arthritis in the remaining parts of the knee can occur over time.
As with any surgery, risks include but not limited to infection, blood clots, fracture, stiffness, or implant loosening.
