Anatomic Reconstruction of the Patellofemoral Joint

There is no consensus on the source of the anterior pain or the most efficacious treatment. Multiple etiologies have been theorized concerning the cause of this problem including tibiofemoral instability, patellofemoral (PF) instability, PF maltracking and patella stress fractures. It has been reported that patellofemoral forces are associated with anterior knee pain. Moreover, it has been reported that a correlation exists between the tension of the quadriceps muscle and the forces on the patella. In a biomechanical, cadaver study, Browne et al. found that a longer extensor moment arm reduced the tension on the quadriceps and reduced the patellar forces.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients presenting for a primary total knee replacement who have failed conservative medical management.
• Total knee replacement includes patella resurfacing.
• Patient is willing and able to understand, sign, and date the study specific patient informed consent, to volunteer participation in the study.
• Patient is psychosocially, mentally, and physically able to comply with the requirements of the study including post-op clinical evaluations and completion of questionnaires.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients presenting for a unicompartmental knee replacement.
• Patients presenting for a revision total knee replacement.
• Total knee replacement does not include patella resurfacing.
• Patients with angular deformity greater than 15 degrees.
• Patients with subluxation/dislocation of the patella.
• Patients with severe patellar bone loss.