Long-Term clinical results of patellofemoral arthroplasty for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the clinical outcomes and long-term survival of patellofemoral arthroplasty in treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Methods We retrospectively studied a total of 46 type Y-L-Q PFAs that were designed at our institution in 38 patients. Implant survivorship was analyzed with a follow-up of 18.9–29.6 years. Knee Society Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and University of California Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA) were used to assess functional outcomes. Results The implant survivorship was 83.6% at 15 years, 76.8% at 20 years, and 59.4% at 25 years 14 PFAs in 12 patients were revised into total knee arthroplasty at 16.0 ± 6.7 years; 13 for progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis and one for polyethylene wear. The mean Knee Society Score objective scores and functional scores were 73.0 ± 17.5 (range, 49–95) and 56.4 ± 28.9 (range, 5–90), respectively. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 25.8 ± 11.5 (range, 8–44). Conclusion Type Y-L-Q patellofemoral arthroplasty can be an effective method for treating isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis with satisfactory survival.