Abstract
Introduction: Isolated patello-femoral arthritis occurs in up to 10% of patients suffering osteoarthritis of the knee. Reports of patello-femoral replacements have given indifferent results so we wish to report our experience of 326 cases using two different protheses.
Method: In 1989 we started a prospective series of the Lubinus prosthesis. The results of 76 cases at eight years showed a 50% failure rate. The main reasons for failure were malalignment, wear and disease progression. The Avon patello-femoral arthroplasty was designed to solve some of these problems.
Since September 1996, 250 knees have been treated. Prospective review was undertaken and 120 knees have reached two years and 40 are at five years. The outcome was assessed using pain scores, Bartlett’s patella score and the Oxford knee score.
Results: The median pain score improved from 15/40 points to 35 at five years. The movement increased from 114 to 120 degrees at five years. The Bartlett patella score improved from 10/30 points to 26 at five years. The Oxford knee score improved from 19/48 points to 40 points at five years.
The functional results are similar to those of a total knee replacement. Two patients developed malalignment (1%) one of which required distal soft tissue realignment. There have been no cases of deep infection, fracture, wear or loosening. Sixteen knees (6%) developed evidence of disease progression, 14 of which (6%) have required revision to a total knee replacement.
Conclusions: Results to date suggest that this improved design has reduced the problems of malalignment and early wear. There is a low complication rate and an excellent range of movement. Disease progression remains a problem that is not predictable. This type of prosthesis offers an alternative to total knee replacement in this small group of patients with isolated patello-femoral disease with a lower morbidity.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
