Cartilage wear under the kneecap (retropatellar arthrosis or patellofemoral arthrosis) is still a challenge in knee surgery today. This disease mostly affects young patients before the age of 50.
Typical causes are congenital or acquired deformities in the area of the kneecap or the patellar groove of the femur(patellar dysplasia).
Patellar dysplasia is a malformation of the kneecap (patella) that has an asymmetrical shape @ Pepermpron /AdobeStock
As with gonarthrosis, cartilage wear of the entire knee joint, the following symptoms often occur :
- Load-dependent pain (e.g. when climbing stairs)
- Knee swelling and effusion
- Restricted everyday activities
If conservative treatment is not successful, surgical treatment measures can help.
As osteoarthritis is limited to the patellofemoral joint, doctors sometimes sacrifice healthy cartilage for knee prosthesis surgery. As most patients are still young, the installation of a knee TEP is often not ideal. This conflict often results in a long period of suffering for those affected.
Patients who have isolated osteoarthritis in the posterior patellofemoral joint should consult specialists for mini-implants or partial knee joint replacement.
Treatment with mini-implants (small implants) has developed steadily in recent years. These small implants are used specifically to stabilize the kneecap or to treat cartilage wear.
This partial knee joint replacement offers precise solutions for individual knee problems. It achieves a high and reliable level of patient satisfaction.
Patellofemoral joint replacement (PFJ)
The PFJ is a sophisticated procedure that aims to reconstruct the posterior patellofemoral joint. This is often necessary in cases of severe osteoarthritis-related damage to the patella or femur.
The PFJ offers an individualized solution to manage pain, instability and restricted movement. Replacing the damaged joint surface improves the patient's function and quality of life. The implant acts as an"onlay".
The Wave System
The Wave System represents the most innovative approach in the field of partial joint replacement. The Wave System aims to adapt the patellofemoral prosthesis to the patient's individual anatomy. This leads to improved fit, functionality and longer-lasting results. The implant acts as an"inlay".
The choice of the appropriate procedure requires a thorough diagnosis and assessment by a specialist.
The decision depends on
- Severity of the knee problems
- Individual anatomy and
- Lifestyle of the patient
A precise identification of the patient's needs forms the basis for selecting the best treatment option. Only an arthroplasty specialist in this field should perform this procedure in order to achieve the best possible results.
Today's advanced partial knee joint replacement and posterior patellofemoral joint procedures offer customized solutions for complex knee problems.
Mini-implants such as the PFJ or Wave system offer innovative approaches to improve patients' quality of life.
To choose the best treatment option, you should seek advice from an experienced expert.
