JBJS, August 1, 2006, Volume 88, Issue 8

Patellofemoral Arthritis

Ronald P. Grelsamer, MD Drew A. Stein, MD

Knee

The surgeon must determine whether patellofemoral arthritis is the primary source of a patient’s knee pain and whether the arthritis is truly unicompartmental.

An anteromedial osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity is most effective when the arthritis is localized to the distallateral portion of the patellofemoral compartment. It is least effective when there is global arthritis of the patellofemoral articulation.

Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment for patellofemoral arthritis.

Patellofemoral replacement can be considered for selected patients.

A major reason for poor results after patellofemoral replacement and patellectomy procedures is the development of femorotibial arthritis.

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