Indications, Contraindications, and Pitfalls of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty

Recently, there has been renewed interest in patellofemoral arthroplasty, with the development of newer designs that have produced more consistent outcomes; however, historically, the reported results of this procedure have varied widely1. The purpose of this article is to analyze trends in the published results of this procedure, to identify critical factors contributing to the success or failure of these operations, and to relate the initial lessons that we have learned from our six-year clinical experience with the Avon patellofemoral arthroplasty (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, New Jersey). Indications, contraindications, mid-term follow-up results, and ways to avoid pitfalls are delineated.