Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
Patellofemoral Knee Replacement surgery may be recommended by your surgeon if you have severe osteoarthritis contained to the patellofemoral compartment (knee-cap arthritis) and you have not obtained adequate relief with conservative treatment options. If you have pain only with knee-bending activities, such as getting up from a seat, going downstairs, kneeling and squatting, you may be having knee-cap arthritis.
Patellofemoral Knee Replacement is a surgical option that preserves the knee parts not damaged by arthritis as well as the stabilizing anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, ACL and PCL.
Patellofemoral Knee Arthroplasty surgery will not alter the ability of the patient to eventually move to a Total Knee Replacement in the future should that become necessary.
Knee Replacement surgery is performed in an operating room under sterile conditions with the patient under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
Post-Operative Recovery
Common Post-Operative guidelines include:
- You will be taken to the recovery room and monitored for any complications.
- You will be given pain medication to keep you comfortable at home.
- You will need someone to drive you home due to the drowsy effects of the anesthesia.
- Swelling is normal after knee surgery. Ice, compression, and elevation of the knee will be used to minimize swelling and pain.
- You will be given specific instructions regarding activity.
- You will be referred to a physical therapy program for exercise and strengthening.
- Eating a healthy diet and not smoking will promote healing.
