The Patello-Femoral Joint (PFJ) Replacement

The knee can be divided into 3 compartments, the medial (1)and lateral (2) femoro-tibial compartments between the femur and the tibia (see The Bones of the Knee), and the often forgotten compartment of the patello-femoral joint (3).See What are the compartments of the knee?

Up until recently, it has been difficult to treat isolated severe arthritis of the patello-femoral joint (Arthritis of the Patello-femoral joint). In the past it has been largely ignored or not recognized as a source of disabling pain from arthritis. Once it causes severe pain, the only definitive treatment has been a total knee replacement. This operation is ideal for people with advanced diffuse arthritis, but it is a shame to replace normal parts of the knee if it is unnecessary (Why Receive A Partial).
 

Now there is a modern “partial” knee replacement for the patello-femoral joint.
Severe primary arthritis of this joint can now be successfully treated without a total knee replacement.
 

This new prosthesis was designed and is manufactured in the Illawarra. It is now exported world-wide.

Its unique feature is the ability to insert an uncemented modular patella component. This means that firstly if the replacements starts to wear out the plastic liner can be changed without having to have major surgery. This is not expected in under 10 years.

Secondly if the rest of the knee should wear out, hopefully also in excess of 10 years after the initial procedure, the partial replacement can be converted to a total knee replacement without compromising the definitive procedure. This can be achieved by clicking off the plastic liner, removing the metal femoral component and performing the total knee replacement. The patella components are compatible with the total knee replacement system and do not need to be replaced.

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