What is patellofemoral degeneration?

Patellofemoral arthritis occurs when the articular cartilage along the trochlear groove and on the underside of the patella wears down and becomes inflamed. When cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and, when the wear is severe, the underlying bone may become exposed.

What is the patellofemoral compartment of the knee?

Patellofemoral compartment—the front of the knee between the patella (kneecap) and femur (thighbone)

Is patellofemoral arthritis the same as osteoarthritis?

Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis and arthritis in other knee compartments. Osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint should be considered as an entity separate from disease in the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments of the knee.

Is walking good for patellofemoral arthritis?

A flexible muscle will minimize the contact pressures in the patellofemoral joint. 2. Patellofemoral arthritis usually causes pain when climbing stairs, walking uphill or downhill. Avoiding these activities can reduce your pain.

Is patellofemoral arthritis a disability?

According to Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon at HSS, “In the early stages, patellofemoral arthritis does not cause significant pain or disability.

Do you need surgery for patellofemoral syndrome?

Surgical treatment for patellofemoral pain is very rarely needed and is done only for severe cases that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Surgical treatments may include: Arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint.

What can you not do with patellofemoral syndrome?

The best treatment for patellofemoral syndrome is to avoid activities that compress the patella against the femur with force. This means avoiding going up and down stairs and hills, deep knee bends, kneeling, step-aerobics and high impact aerobics. Do not wear high heeled shoes.

What is the fastest way to cure patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid or modify activities that increase the pain, such as climbing stairs, kneeling or squatting….A physical therapist might suggest:

  1. Rehabilitation exercises.
  2. Supportive braces.
  3. Taping.
  4. Ice.
  5. Knee-friendly sports.

Is there arthritis in the patellofemoral compartment of the knee?

Knee arthritis frequently affects two or more compartments of the knee. However, in rare cases, arthritis may be isolated to the patellofemoral compartment.

Who are the best patients for patellofemoral joint replacement?

Patients who do best with patellofemoral joint replacement are those in whom the arthritis is not expected to progress: those with post-instability arthritis and those with post-traumatic arthritis, “These are patients who are unlikely to ever need a total knee replacement.”

What causes a degeneration of the patellofemoral joint?

Degeneration of the patellofemoral joint can develop secondary to abnormal stress on the patella caused by patella alta, increased Q-angle combined with secondary soft tissue problems, a weakened or hypoplastic vastus medialis obliqus combined with contracture of the lateral retinaculum, or deficiency of the medial patellofemoral ligament.

Why is patellofemoral arthritis refractory to treatment?

Patellofemoral arthritis, a common cause of anterior knee pain, has been known to be refractory to treatment. This can be attributed to the complexity of the patellofemoral joint structure and insufficient recognition of the biomechanics of the joint.