The optimal treatment for isolated patello-femoral arthritis is unclear. Patello-femoral arthroplasty (PFA) may offer superior knee function in isolated patello-femoral osteoarthritis compare to TKA. The literature is controversial for patient outcomes in PFA. Some reports showed improved outcomes while others were disappointing. We assessed our outcomes to try to identify causes for poor outcomes. The Trent Arthroplasty was established in 1990 to collect prospective data on knee arthroplasty surgery. Data is entered by surgeons at the time of surgery, with patient consent. PFA constitute less than 1% of the arthroplasties performed in this region. Patients were sent self-administered outcome forms 1 year post-op. Re-operation and revision procedures were reported. 334 PFA have been registered from 17 hospitals. 79% were female patients with 43% of the patients aged 55 years or less, suggesting dysplasia as the cause of their osteoarthritis. Age range 28–94 yrs (SD 11.8 yrs). The implants were Stryker Avon 236, Corin Leicester 47, Link Lubinus 24, Smith & Nephew Journey 10, DePuy LCS 7, Wright FPV 2, other 8.Introduction
Methods
The use of journal clubs and, more recently,
case-based discussions in order to stimulate debate among orthopaedic
surgeons lies at the heart of orthopaedic training and education. A
virtual learning environment can be used as a platform to host virtual
journal clubs and case-based discussions. This has many advantages
in the current climate of constrained time and diminishing trainee
and consultant participation in such activities. The virtual environment
model opens up participation and improves access to journal clubs
and case-based discussions, provides reusable educational content,
establishes an electronic record of participation for individuals,
makes use of multimedia material (including clinical imaging and
photographs) for discussion, and finally, allows participants to
link case-based discussions with relevant papers in the journal
club. The Leicester experience highlights the many advantages and some
of the potential difficulties in setting up such a virtual system
and provides useful guidance for those considering such a system
in their own training programme. As a result of the virtual learning
environment, trainee participation has increased and there is a
trend for increased consultant input in the virtual journal club
and case-based discussions. It is likely that the use of virtual environments will expand
to encompass newer technological approaches to personal learning
and professional development.
