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Patellofemoral arthroplasty is a partial knee replacement for damage confined to the joint between the kneecap and thighbone. The surgeon resurfaces the underside of the kneecap and the groove in which it moves. Healthy parts of the knee and its supporting ligaments are preserved.
read more about patellofemoral arthroplasty ...The operation may be considered for advanced arthritis limited to the patellofemoral compartment when nonsurgical treatment has not relieved symptoms. Pain is typically felt at the front of the knee, including during stairs or other activities that load the kneecap. Examination and imaging help determine whether the other knee compartments remain suitable for preservation.
The surgeon makes an incision at the front of the knee and checks the condition of its compartments. Damaged surfaces beneath the kneecap and in the femoral groove are prepared for implants. A plastic component covers the back of the kneecap, and a metal component covers the groove.
Walking and knee movement generally begin with guidance from the surgical team. Physical therapy helps restore motion, strength, and function. The pace of recovery depends on the person's health, pain, and progress after surgery.
Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, and problems with an implant. Arthritis may later develop in the parts of the knee that were preserved. Further surgery, including total knee replacement, may then be needed.
No. Only the surfaces between the kneecap and the femoral groove are resurfaced. The other knee compartments are left in place if they are healthy.
No. The underside of the kneecap is prepared and covered with an implant. The kneecap itself remains.
A candidate generally has advanced arthritis confined to the patellofemoral compartment. Arthritis elsewhere in the knee or certain alignment and ligament problems may change the treatment recommendation.
Yes. Arthritis can develop in the remaining knee compartments, or an implant problem can require another operation. A total knee replacement is one possible later treatment.
Patellofemoral Arthritis. OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/patellofemoral-arthritis. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Current Concepts and Review of the Literature. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5738475/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Patellofemoral arthroplasty: expert opinion. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8897539/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Short-Term Complications and Risk Factors. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31121631/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Patellofemoral Replacement. OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patellofemoral-replacement. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.