Patello-Femoral (Partial) Replacement

Patello-femoral joint replacement is a partial joint replacement performed when the patello-femoral (behind the kneecap) joint is very arthritic but the rest of the knee is spared. The front of the knee joint is removed and a metal lining is attached in it’s place. The worn back of the kneecap is removed and a polyethylene button is attached to the bone. The button then runs on the metal liner thus relieving the pain of arthritis.

Patients are generally in hospital for 3 to 5 days and take approximately 3-6 months to recover fully.