Patellofemoral arthritis is a common entity and patellofemoral arthroplasties have been performed since the 1970s. However, follow-up studies are few, and the optimal indication for the operation has yet to be established. This study concentrates on the gains in patient-reported quality of life parameters achieved by the operation.
Of 26 patients operated with 31 Richards Model Patella II patellofemoral arthroplasties, 17 patients with 20 arthroplasties were available for clinical review using two subjective/objective scoring systems and one patient administered self evaluation form median 7.7 years after the operation.
The revision rate for the prosthesis was low (3%). A frequency of short-term complications of 15% and of later surgical procedures of 20% was observed. The American Knee Society Score showed 65% excellent or good, 20% fair and 35% poor results. The results of the patient administered KOOS showed significant improvements for the subcategories ''symptoms'', ''pain", ''activities of daily living" and ''quality of life". The worst results were seen among patients with pre-arthritic patellofemoral pain syndrome.
7-8 years after patellofemoral arthroplasty survival of the prosthesis is good. The clinical result is unpredictable. Most patients can expect a reduction in their level of pain and a higher level of daily living activities. The level of sports and recreational activities did not increase, even among younger patients. Patients with patellofemoral pain before radiological signs of arthritis are present in the joint cannot expect a measurable effect from the operation.