PATELLO FEMORAL ARTHROPLASTY
Malalignment of the limbs, sequellae of fracture, traumatic or congenital dislocation, anatomical abnormalities
(abnormal femoral torsion or Patellofemoral dysplasia) lead to some degree of tilt and maldistribution
of forces on the patella and lead to patellofemoral arthritis.
Patellar resurfacing using a metal prosthesis may be necessary in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis.
When the medical treatments ( antalgic and anti-inflammatory medications, heel wedges, off-loading
knee braces, weight reduction, activity modification, the use of ambulatory aids , intraarticular
corticosteroid or viscosupplementation (eg, Synvisc; Genzyme Corp; Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hyalgan,
Sanofi-Synthelabo; New York, NY) injections, physiotherapy have failed, time is coming to implant
a prosthesis to relieve pain and to restore knee function.
ANATOMY
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Patella is situated in front of the tibiofemoral joint articulating with the trochlea groove of the femur. This bone is important in the stability and force of the function of the knee The primary soft tissue static stabilizers of the patellofemoral joint are the medial (A I) and lateral patellofemoral ligament (A E), and the extensor system : vastus medialis (V I), quadriceps (Td Q) and patellar tendon (Td R) fixed on the Tibial tubercule (T T A).
In case of malalignement, hyper pressure and maltracking lead to cartilage lesions and patellofemoral osteoarthritis after many years. |
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INDICATIONS
Patellofemoral arthroplasty to be appropriate when there was clinical and radiological evidence
of severe and established arthritis in the patellofemoral compartment, with a well-preserved and
pain-free tibiofemoral joint.
It possible to implant such a prosthesis in conjunction with measures to obtain satisfactory
alignment of the extensor mechanism since persistent lateral malalignment, if not corrected, will
cause lateral tilt, subluxation and early wear of the patellar button Tibial tubercule osteotmy,
HTVO, tensioning vastus medialis or retinacular ligaments.
A Uni compartmental Arthroplasty may also be associated in case of medial femoro tibial arthritis.
This type of prosthesis offers a reasonable alternative to total knee replacement in patients
with isolated patellofemoral disease, particularly in those who are considered too young for a total
joint replacement.
The procedure is not suitable for patients who have evidence of algodystrophy, regional pain
syndrome, or for those who have substantial patella infera, or a fixed flexion deformity less than 110°.
PATELLO FEMORAL PROTHESIS
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Since the first report of a patellofemoral replacement by McKeever in 1955, the PFA evolved
through several different patellofemoral designs.
- a metal femoral trochlea, fixed on the femur with or without ciment. Many designs are available. Here is the “GRAMMOND prosthesis” (DePuy - USA) |
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Surgery is performed through a medial parapatellar incision and a medial incision of the capsule. The femoral component is cemented or not onto the femoral groove and the patellar component is cemented after cutting bone. A formal lateral retinacular release is performed. Immediately aftersurgery, range of movement exercises (0° to 90°) were started as tolerated by the patient.
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| Arthrosis | Prothesis | ||
CHECK-UP BEFORE SURGERY
In order to detect vital risk for anesthesiology, and to assess a potential risk of post-operative
complication in a short or long term follow-up, a medical questionnaire checking list is needed to
be accepted by the surgeon and his team.
Risk factors influencing complications are :
factors increasing risk of infection
- Obesity is associated with a higher risk of infection. Individuals with a body-mass index (BMI)
>35 had a 2.1 times greater risk of infection compared with those with a lower BMI
- patients with osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis had a 2.2 times greater risk of infection
compared with those with osteoarthritis.
- diabetis : - previous infection of the joint
- arteritis
- tooth infection : a panoramic dental X-Ray and treatment of dental problems is necessary to
eliminate a potential risk of infection
factors increasing risks for medical complications
- American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)scores > 3 is at risk.
- Previous algo neuro dystrophy may be a recurrent risk.
- Previous deep veinous thrombosis is a predisposing factor to recurrent episode
No blood transfusion is necessary.
POSTOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Surgical technique is an only one part of the success of TKA, The role of superior pain
management, better soft-tissue techniques, more advanced anesthetic techniques, more
aggressive physiotherapy and perhaps, most importantly, improved patient education and
enhanced rehabilitations are as important components in improving stability, function,
component longevity, and patient satisfaction.
You will stay 7 days in the surgical department of orthopaedics and then 14 days in the rehabilitation center.
Day of operation
The patient is mobilised using a CPM at approximately 4 h post-op, under physiotherapist supervision. Straight leg raising exercises are encouraged, and a pillow is placed under the heel of the operated leg to allow the knee to rest in a fully extended position. Intravenous patient- controlled analgesia (PCA) systems or other analgesic shedule plan is commenced for overnight analgesia.
First postoperative day
The postoperative haemoglobin level is measured. The PCA was discontinued, but only after commencement of the pre-prescribed analgesic regimen, to ensure that pain levels is well controlled throughout the recovery period. Regular anti-emetics are continued, and the patients undergoes further range of motion, quadriceps, and hamstrings exercises twice a day under control of the physiotherapist. Walking with a frame is started.
Second, third, fourth postoperative day
The dressing was reduced to a light non-adherent dressing, and the drainage removed. The patients continued to walk with the assistance of a frame or walking sticks. CPM is used twice a day. Active exercises are encouraged.
fifth and subsequent postoperative days
The patients is encouraged to climb steps, to rollskate while sitting, and to walk safely with two sticks and climb stairs independently.
Seventh day
transfer to the rehabilitatin center where exercises of muscles reinforcement, and stability are performed.
NB : a full physiological and functional recovery usually requires around 3 months.
COMPLICATIONS
Even with a carefull act performed by perfectly trained team, any complications may happen the same as in every surgical act. These are exceptionnal ; The list below is not exhaustive.
- Infection is one of the most dreaded complications of knee replacement. The efficacy of
prophylactic measures and risk factors play an important role.
Prophylactic mesures: laminar flow, body suits, drains, surgical time (length), surgeon volume, and
hospital volume the use of preoperative antibiotics.
Detection and treatment of risk factors : Obesity, diabetis, pre-op treatment of dental or urinary
infection.
- Skin necrosis should well controlled with adapted local healthcare . Its prevention is
ealised with a central skin incision. If not controled, the risk is to transmit an infection to the
prosthetic joint. A reoperation is necessary.
- Stiffness Outcome variation in range of motion exists despite excellent surgical
technique, refined implants, and uncomplicated postsurgical recovery. Mobilisation under
anesthesy without opening the knee is sometimes necessary at the end of first week if flexion is
still inferior to 90° and painfull.
- Phlebitis : preventive mesure ( early mobilisation, anti-thrombotic socks, low Weight
Molecular Heparin anti-embolic prophylaxis for 6 weeks) and systematic echodoppler control at
7th day allow the risk to be minimize ; in case it happens, an anticoagulation treatment is started
and rehabilitation is slowered.
LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP
- wear is not a short term problem: a regular follow-up control is necessary every three years.
Overweight and overuse are favorable factors for bone loosening
- loosening is not a short term problem :
a regular follow-up control is necessary every three years .
Overweight and trauma are favorable factors for bone loosening
- post-operative requirements
- Do not overweight to prevent wear and loosening.
- Help with your arms o stand up from a chair, and climbing stairs to lessen the strains on the prosthesis.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you have a prosthetic knee so that in case of infection he
gives you adaquate treament with antibiotics to prevent an infection of the prosthetic knee that
may occur even years after your surgery
- Do exercises at home and at least walk 30 mn a day. Sports activities are possible
according to comorbidity, age, range of motion and stability, ; waiting 3 to 6 months after a TKA is
the current recommended waiting time for return to sporting (see special form).
OTHERS
>> Pre-operative rehabilitation
>> Post-operative rehabilitation
Last updated : 9/12/2007
