Cartilage wear beneath the kneecap (retropatellar osteoarthritis or patellofemoral osteoarthritis) remains a challenge in knee surgery to this day. This condition most often affects young patients under the age of 50.
Typical causes include congenital or acquired misalignments in the area of the kneecap or the patellar groove of the femur (patellar dysplasia).
Patellar dysplasia is a malformation of the kneecap (patella) characterized by an asymmetrical shape @ Pepermpron /AdobeStock
As with knee osteoarthritis—the wear and tear of cartilage throughout the entire knee joint—the following symptoms often occur:
- Pain triggered by physical activity (e.g., when climbing stairs)
- Knee swelling and effusion
- Limited ability to perform daily activities
If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical interventions may help.
Since the osteoarthritis is limited to the patellofemoral joint, doctors sometimes sacrifice healthy cartilage for knee replacement surgery. Since most patients are still relatively young, total knee replacement is often not the ideal solution. This dilemma frequently results in a long period of suffering for those affected.
Patients with isolated osteoarthritis in the posterior patellofemoral joint should consult specialists in mini-implants or partial knee replacement.
Treatment with mini-implants (small implants) has continued to evolve in recent years. These small implants are specifically used to stabilize the patella or to treat cartilage wear.
This partial knee joint replacement offers precise solutions for individual knee problems. It achieves a high level of reliable patient satisfaction.
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement (PFJ)
PFJ is a complex procedure aimed at reconstructing the posterior surface of the patella. This is often necessary in cases of severe osteoarthritis-related damage to the patella or femur.
PFJ offers a customized solution to address pain, instability, and limited range of motion. Replacing the damaged joint surfaces improves the patient’s function and quality of life. The implant functions 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 functions as an “inlay” in this system.
Selecting the appropriate procedure requires a thorough diagnosis and evaluation by a specialist.
The decision depends on:
- Severity of knee problems
- Individual anatomy and
- the patient’s lifestyle
A precise identification of the patient’s needs forms the basis for selecting the best treatment option. Only a joint replacement surgeon specializing in this field should perform this procedure to achieve the best possible results.
Today, advanced techniques for partial knee replacement or patellofemoral joint replacement offer customized solutions for complex knee problems.
Mini-implants such as the PFJ or Wave system offer innovative approaches to improving patients’ quality of life.
To select the best treatment option, you should seek the advice of an experienced specialist.
