Abstract
Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis has been reported to occur in approximately 5% of patients with gon-arthrosis of the knee. A number of options are available for the surgical management of these individuals. We reported the short-term outcomes on thirty three patients (33 knees) with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis who underwent LCS total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without resurfacing who had been operated on between 1996 – 19991.
Barrack et al2 in 2001 reported on the incidence of anterior knee pain in two groups of TKA patients, one with patella resurfacing and one without. They reported an increase incidence of anterior knee pain in both groups.
We now report the longer-term outcomes with an average follow-up of 80.2months (range 54–94 months). At latest review, 9 patients experienced night time pain, all describing it as improved from their preoperative level. Twelve patients walked with the use of a walking aid, compared with 21 preoperatively. Disease specific scores at latest review showed improved outcome measures at latest review.
We also report our outcomes in an additional fifty-five patients (59 knees) with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis who were treated between 1999–2004 receiving an LCS total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing. Our preliminary findings suggest that this technique continues to be an option in the management of the older patient with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis.
Honorary Secretary – Mr Roger Smith. Correspondence should be addressed to BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35 - 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
References:
1 Thompson NW, Ruiz AL, Breslin E, Beverland DE: Total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing in isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Google Scholar
2 Barrack RL, Bertot AJ, Wolfe MW, Waldman DA, Milicic M, Myers L: Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty. A prospective, randomised, double-blind study with five to seven years of follow-up. Google Scholar
