• Home
  • Staff
    • Doctor Bio
  • Online Survey
  • Testimonials
  • Conditions/Treatments
    • Shoulder
      • Shoulder Anatomy
      • Rotator Cuff Tear
      • Rotator Cuff Repair Simulation
      • SLAP (labral) tear
      • Shoulder Arthritis
      • Shoulder Replacement
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Hand and Wrist
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • thumb tendonitis (Dequervains)
      • Ganglion Cyst
      • Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture
      • Trigger Finger
      • Dupuytren’s Contracture
      • Thumb Arthritis (CMC)
    • Hip
      • Hip Bursitis
      • Hip Fracture
      • Hip Osteoarthritis and Treatment
      • Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
    • Knee
      • Knee Anatomy
      • Meniscus
        • Meniscus Tear
        • Meniscus Repair
      • ACL
        • ACL injury
        • ACL Reconstruction
      • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
      • Patellar Instability
      • Patellofemoral Joint Arthroplasty
      • Knee Osteoarthritis
      • Arthritic Knee Treatment
      • Stem Cell Treatment for knee arthritis
      • Reasons for Replacement
      • Joint Replacement, Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
      • Custom knee replacement video
    • Ankle
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Ankle Fractures
    • Concussions
    • Osteoporosis
  • Info
    • Call Now
    • Office Directions
    • Ortho Blog

Dr. Brook Adams, MD - Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Contact: 682-286-7010 direct or 877-314-8990 option 8 toll free

Dr. Brook Adams, MD Dr. Brook Adams, MD Dr. Brook Adams, MD Dr. Brook Adams, MD
  • Home
  • Staff
    • Doctor Bio
  • Online Survey
  • Testimonials
  • Conditions/Treatments
    • Shoulder
      • Shoulder Anatomy
      • Rotator Cuff Tear
      • Rotator Cuff Repair Simulation
      • SLAP (labral) tear
      • Shoulder Arthritis
      • Shoulder Replacement
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Hand and Wrist
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • thumb tendonitis (Dequervains)
      • Ganglion Cyst
      • Distal Radius (Wrist) Fracture
      • Trigger Finger
      • Dupuytren’s Contracture
      • Thumb Arthritis (CMC)
    • Hip
      • Hip Bursitis
      • Hip Fracture
      • Hip Osteoarthritis and Treatment
      • Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
    • Knee
      • Knee Anatomy
      • Meniscus
        • Meniscus Tear
        • Meniscus Repair
      • ACL
        • ACL injury
        • ACL Reconstruction
      • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
      • Patellar Instability
      • Patellofemoral Joint Arthroplasty
      • Knee Osteoarthritis
      • Arthritic Knee Treatment
      • Stem Cell Treatment for knee arthritis
      • Reasons for Replacement
      • Joint Replacement, Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
      • Custom knee replacement video
    • Ankle
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Ankle Fractures
    • Concussions
    • Osteoporosis
  • Info
    • Call Now
    • Office Directions
    • Ortho Blog

Patellofemoral joint replacement

Home Patellofemoral joint replacement

Patellofemoral Replacement

During knee replacement surgery, damaged bone and cartilage is resurfaced with metal and plastic components. Patellofemoral replacement is a type of “partial” knee replacement in which only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. The procedure is an alternative to total knee replacement for patients whose damaged bone and cartilage is limited to the underside of the patella (kneecap) and the channel-like groove in the femur (thighbone) that the patella rests in.Because patellofemoral replacement is done through a smaller incision, there is less damage to soft tissues in the knee. In many cases, this allows patellofemoral replacement patients to recover faster and return to normal activities more quickly than total knee replacement patients.

There are a number of treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Your doctor will talk with you about the options that will best relieve your individual osteoarthritis symptoms.

Anatomy

Your knee is divided into three major compartments:

  • Medial compartment—the inside part of the knee
  • Lateral compartment—the outside part of the knee
  • Patellofemoral compartment—the front of the knee between the patella (kneecap) and femur (thighbone)

Normal knee anatomy, including the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments

(Left) A normal knee joint. The medial, lateral and patellofemoral compartments are shown.
(Right) An x-ray of a normal knee showing healthy space between the bones.

Within the patellofemoral compartment, the patella lies in a groove on the top of the femur called the trochlea. When you bend or straighten your knee, the patella moves back and forth inside this trochlear groove.

Illustration of the movement of the patella in the trochlear groove

(Left) The patella rests in a small groove at the end of the femur called the trochlear groove.
(Right) As you bend and straighten your knee, the patella slides up and down within the groove.
Reproduced and adapted from The Body Almanac. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003.

A slippery substance called articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur, trochlear groove, and the underside of the patella. Articular cartilage helps your bones glide smoothly against each other as you move your leg.

Description

In knee osteoarthritis, the cartilage protecting the bones of the knee slowly wears away. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and the underlying bone may become exposed. Moving the bones along this rough surface is painful. This can occur throughout the knee joint or just in a single area of the knee.

Osteoarthritis in the patellofemoral compartment of the knee

Illustration shows osteoarthritis that is limited to the patellofemoral compartment of the knee. The patella (kneecap) has been removed to show the cartilage damage on the underside.

Advanced osteoarthritis that is limited to the patellofemoral compartment may be treated with patellofemoral replacement. During this procedure, the underside of the kneecap and the trochlear groove are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. The healthy cartilage and bone, as well as all of the ligaments in the rest of the knee, are preserved.

X-rays of a normal knee and an arthritic knee

(Left) This x-ray shows a normal knee from the side. The arrows point to the normal amount of space between the bones.
(Right) This x-ray shows narrowed joint space and bone rubbing on bone due to arthritis.

Advantages of Patellofemoral Replacement

Potential advantages of patellofemoral replacement over total knee replacement include:

  • Less blood loss
  • Quicker recovery
  • Smaller surgical incision / less surgical trauma
  • Decreased complications
  • Increased knee function and activity

In addition, because the bone, cartilage, and ligaments in the healthy parts of the knee are kept, many patients report that a patellofemoral replacement feels more natural than a total knee replacement.

Illustration of total knee replacement and patellofemoral replacement

One advantage of patellofemoral replacement over total knee replacement is that healthy parts of the knee are preserved, which helps to maintain more “natural” function of the knee.

Disadvantages of Patellofemoral Replacement

The primary disadvantage of patellofemoral replacement compared with total knee replacement is the potential need for more surgery. For example, a total knee replacement may be necessary in the future if arthritis develops in the parts of the knee that have not been replaced.

Candidates for Surgery

If your osteoarthritis has advanced and nonsurgical treatment options are no longer relieving your symptoms, your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery.

Careful patient selection is crucial when considering patellofemoral replacement. In order to be a candidate for the procedure, your arthritis must be confined to only the patellofemoral compartment of your knee.

In addition, if you have any of the following characteristics, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure:

  • Knee stiffness
  • Ligament damage
  • Poor patellar (kneecap) tracking
  • Major deformity of the leg
  • Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Crystalline arthritis (such as gout)
  • Morbid obesity

Related Articles

DISEASES & CONDITIONS

Patellofemoral Arthritis

TREATMENT

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

TREATMENT

Total Knee Replacement

TREATMENT

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Joint Replacement Surgery

Orthopaedic Evaluation

A thorough evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for patellofemoral replacement.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask you several questions about your general health, your knee pain, and your ability to function.

Location of pain. It is important for your doctor to determine the exact location of your pain. Candidates for the procedure typically have pain only behind the kneecap. This pain usually occurs during activities that put pressure on the kneecap, such as:

  • Going up and down stairs
  • Sitting with the knee bent
  • Rising from a chair

Physical Exam

Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination in order to determine the source of your pain. During the exam, he or she will:

  • Inspect your knee to determine the overall alignment of the joint
  • Palpate (feel) around your knee to see if your pain can be reproduced
  • Test range of motion to determine if you have knee stiffness or problems in patellar tracking
  • Assess the quality of the ligaments around the joint and the overall stability of your knee

Imaging Studies

  • X-ray. This study provides images of dense structures, such as bone. Your doctor will order x-rays from several different angles to ensure that your arthritis is confined to the space between the kneecap and the femur, and to assess the overall alignment of your knee.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This study creates better images of the soft tissues in your knee. Your doctor may order an MRI to better evaluate the cartilage in your knee.

Your Surgery

Because patients undergoing partial knee replacement typically recover faster than patients undergoing total knee replacement, the procedure can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis. During your initial consultation, your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for outpatient surgery or whether you will require a brief stay in the hospital.

Before Surgery

When you arrive for surgery, your surgeon will see you and verify the surgical site by signing the correct knee.

In addition, a doctor from the anesthesia department will discuss anesthesia choices with you. You should also have discussed anesthesia choices with your surgeon during your preoperative visits. Anesthesia options include:

  • General anesthesia (you are put to sleep)
  • Spinal (you are awake but your body is numb from the waist down)

Surgical Procedure

Inspection of the joint. Your surgeon will make an incision at the front of your knee. He or she will explore the three compartments of your knee, verifying that the damaged cartilage is, in fact, located only between the patella and the femur and that your ligaments are intact.

If your surgeon finds damaged cartilage outside of the patellofemoral compartment, he or she may instead perform a total knee replacement. This contingency plan will have been discussed with you before your operation to make sure that you agree with this strategy.

Patellofemoral replacement. There are two parts to the procedure:

  • Prepare the bone. Your surgeon will use special tools to remove damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone from the patellofemoral compartment of your knee.
  • Position the implants. A thin metal component is used to resurface the trochlear groove at the end of the femur. A plastic “button” or cover is used to resurface the backside of the patella. These parts are typically held to the bone with cement.

Photo of patellofemoral replacement implants

Patellofemoral replacement implants. The metal femoral implant (left) resurfaces the trochlear groove of the femur. The round plastic patellar implant (right) attaches to the underside of the kneecap.

X-rays of knee before and after patellofemoral replacement

(Left) This x-ray is taken from above the knee. The patella and the trochlear groove of the femur have become deformed due to osteoarthritis. There is now bone rubbing on bone. (Right) The same knee after patellofemoral replacement. The patellar implant on the underside of the kneecap does not show in an x-ray.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be closely monitored as you recover from the anesthesia. You will then be either taken to your hospital room or discharged (if your surgery is being performed on an outpatient basis).

Front view of a knee after patellofemoral replacement

Front view of a knee after patellofemoral replacement.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with patellofemoral replacement. These risks are similar to those of total knee replacement. Your surgeon will discuss each of the risks with you and will take specific measures to help avoid potential complications.

The possible risks of patellofemoral replacement include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Persistent pain
  • Patellar instability (dislocating kneecap)
  • Injury to surrounding structures, including blood vessels or nerves
  • Reaction to anesthesia
  • The need for additional surgery

Recovery

Pain management. After surgery, you will feel some pain. Many types of medicines are available to help control pain, including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics. Treating pain with medications can help you feel more comfortable, which will help your body heal and recover from surgery faster.

Opioids can provide excellent pain relief, however, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. You should stop taking these medications as soon as your pain starts to improve.

Weight bearing. You will begin putting weight on your knee immediately after surgery. You may need to use a walker, cane, or crutches for several days following your operation.

Rehabilitation exercise. A physical therapist will provide specific exercises to help restore strength to your quadriceps muscles and maintain range of motion in your knee. It is critical to perform these exercises as often as directed in order to achieve a good outcome.

Doctor visits. You will continue to see your orthopaedic surgeon for follow-up visits to evaluate your progress after surgery.

Cited from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/patellofemoral-replacement/

Search

Social Media

Patient Testimonials

  • Dr. Adams discussed different options with me, I chose to have my knee scoped. I couldn’t be more pleased with my results. Two weeks postoperative my knee feels great and no more pain I experienced before surgery. Dr. Adams, office staff and surgical staff were professional and friendly and made for a successful…

    Read More

    L. Fleming in Stephenville, TX
    Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial
  • Need an orthopedic doctor? I would highly recommend Dr. Brook Adams. I couldn’t have chosen a more caring orthopedic doctor. When I decided to see Dr. Adams for a possible total knee replacement, he made me feel at ease when we discussed my options, and I decided to proceed with the total knee replacement. I knew I was in good hands after my first visit, his confidence and expertise was evident. I wasn’t just a another patient to him, he truly…

    Read More

    Brad G in Stephenville, TX
    Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial
  • I broke my wrist & am a senior citizen. He was very compassionate, asking questions about my lifestyle & giving me a choice in my treatment. I live a very active lifestyle & work with my hands a lot. After listening to the type of things I do with my hands, he said that surgery would make the healing…

    Read More

    Edith H in Granbury TX
    Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial
  • Overall great talented man. I had ACL reconstion surgery with him at the beginning of this year and I’m an active sports player he did such a great job. I’m back playing with no problems, my knee feels great. I recommend…

    Read More

    Tina in Granbury
    Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial

Bone & Joint Blog

  • Dr. Brook Adams MD – Orthopedic Surgeon By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 6, 2017 3
  • Delay the need for Joint Replacement By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 10, 2017 2
  • 4 ways to reduce ACL injuries in your daughter By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 10, 2017 2

Search by Keywords

ACL Tear Athlete Dr. Brook Adams MD Female Geriatric hip arthritis hip fracture hip pain hip replacement Joint Replacement knee pain minimally invasive Ortho Bone and Joint Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Granbury Orthopedic Surgery Ft Worth osteoporosis patellofemoral Triad
Has Dr. Adams provided you with Patient Care? Please share your experience HealthGrade Survey

Dr. Brook Adams, MD

After growing up in the DFW metroplex, my current practice is now in Ft. Worth, TX. I am board certified in Orthopedic Surgery with additional fellowship training in sports medicine to help me treat many conditions conservatively or with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery ranging from Rotator Cuff Repair to ACL Reconstruction.

Social Media & Patient Portal

General Information

  • Dr. Brook Adams, MD
  • Adams Bone & Joint
  • 7000 Bryant Irvin Rd. Suite 108 Fort Worth, TX 76132
  • 682-499-2663
  • 682-703-1193
  • orthoboneandjoint@gmail.com
  • www.adamsboneandjoint.com

Office Location

click HERE for Driving Directions

© 2019 · Dr. Brook Adams MD · Orthopedic Surgeon · 7000 Bryant Irvin Rd Ste 108 · Fort Worth, TX · 76132

  • Home
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Contact Us