Patellofemoral Outcome after Medial Unicompartmental Knee Replacement: A Retrospective Study of 25 Cases

Introduction: Osteoarthritis and impingement, in patellofemoral compartment after partial arthroplasty, have been rarely reported. The purpose of our study was to evaluate outcome at long-term follow-up. Methods: We have reviewed retrospectively twenty-five unicompartmental arthroplasties. The medial parapatellar approach was used in all cases. Patients have been evaluated with regard to patellar impingement and osteoarthritic changes revealed by radiographs. The mean follow-up was 10.4 years. The clinical scoring system of the Knee Society and specific questions regarding patellofemoral symptoms were used for functional outcome. Patellofemoral complications such as osteoarthritis, impingement and the position of the femoral component were diagnosed on X-ray views of the knee. Results: At the final follow-up, fifteen knees revealed lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis and four knees had patellofemoral impingement. Excepted of two cases, all knees with patella impingement did not revealed degenerative modifications. Anterior pain of the knee was noted more frequently in knees with patellar complications. Patellar impingement was considered the first cause of knee pain, more than knees with degenerative modifications. Only one revision surgery was indicated in front of patellofemoral conflict. The occurrence of patellar impingement depends on the surgical procedure. The anterior position of the femoral component seems to increase the frequency of such complication. Conclusion: Several degenerative modifications may occur in the patello-femoral compartment following partial knee arthroplasty. Patellar impingement and total knee arthritis are the most reported modifications. Functional outcome may be affected progressively when these changes become obvious. Patellar impingement is the major cause of knee pain and needs revision.