Patellofemoral Replacement
Patellofemoral Replacement in New York, Paramus, White Plains, NY
Expert Patellofemoral Replacement by Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle
Get targeted relief from anterior knee pain with patellofemoral replacement surgery in New York. Performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle at his NYC practice and as Chief of the Hip Service at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), patellofemoral replacement is a precise surgical option for patients with arthritis confined to the patellofemoral compartment of the knee.
This procedure resurfaces only the worn areas of the kneecap (patella) and the groove at the end of the thighbone (trochlea), preserving healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the rest of the knee. It is particularly beneficial for active patients whose arthritis is limited to the kneecap region and who seek a bone-preserving alternative to total knee replacement.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss if patellofemoral replacement is right for you.
Benefits of Patellofemoral Replacement
- Smaller surgical incision and less soft tissue disruption compared with total knee replacement
- Preservation of healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments
- Reduced postoperative pain and swelling
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation
- Improved knee function and range of motion
- Natural feel during movement due to preservation of native structures
The Structure of the Knee
To understand patellofemoral replacement, it helps to first know how the knee is built. The knee is composed of three major compartments: the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (front) compartments. The patellofemoral compartment is the area where the kneecap (patella) slides within a groove on the femur (thighbone) during knee bending and straightening.
The Healthy Knee
In a healthy knee, smooth cartilage covers the underside of the patella and the trochlear groove. This allows the knee to glide smoothly through movements without pain.
The Arthritic Knee
When the cartilage in the patellofemoral compartment wears away due to osteoarthritis, the bones rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or rising from a seated position.
Patellofemoral Replacement
In patellofemoral replacement, only the damaged surfaces of the patella and trochlear groove are resurfaced with a plastic and metal implant, leaving the rest of the knee intact. This preserves motion and knee mechanics for patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis.
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Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle, MD Board Certified & Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Gonzalez Della Valle is an expert in reconstructive surgery of the hip and the knee, including hip and knee replacements as well as joint reserving procedures (arthroscopy).
About Patellofemoral Replacement
What Is Patellofemoral Replacement?
Patellofemoral replacement is a targeted partial knee arthroplasty that replaces only the worn cartilage on the underside of the knee cap and the corresponding groove on the femur with artificial components. Unlike total knee replacement, it preserves unaffected compartments and stabilizing ligaments.
How Does Patellofemoral Replacement Work?
After detailed imaging and evaluation, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and reshapes the patellofemoral joint surfaces. A metal component is placed in the trochlear groove, and a plastic button is fitted to the underside of the patella. These components are usually secured with bone cement or another fixation method to restore smooth motion and reduce pain.
What Conditions Does Patellofemoral Replacement Treat?
Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Anterior knee pain with cartilage loss behind the kneecap
Symptoms not relieved by non-surgical treatments
Is Patellofemoral Replacement Good for Long-Term Mobility?
Yes, when patient selection is appropriate and arthritis is confined to the patellofemoral compartment, this surgery can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement while deferring or avoiding total knee replacement.
How Is Patellofemoral Replacement Different from Total Knee Replacement?
Patellofemoral replacement resurfaces only the front compartment of the knee, preserving healthy bone and ligaments, whereas total knee replacement resurfaces the entire knee joint. This difference often results in less surgical trauma and a quicker return to activity for suitable candidates.
Treatment Experience
What Should I Do to Prepare for Patellofemoral Replacement?
Patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation including imaging studies, physical examination, and review of conservative treatment history. Pre-operative planning ensures appropriate sizing and alignment of implants.
What Should I Expect During the Treatment?
The procedure is typically performed under anesthesia. A small incision is made over the front of the knee to access the patellofemoral compartment, remove damaged tissues, and place the implant components.
Is Patellofemoral Replacement Painful?
Postoperative pain is managed with multimodal pain control protocols. Because the procedure is less invasive than total knee replacement, many patients report lower pain levels during recovery.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
The surgery is usually completed in about 1–1.5 hours. Many patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
What Is the Downtime After Patellofemoral Replacement?
Most patients begin walking with assistance soon after surgery and participate in physical therapy to improve strength and range of motion. Return to regular activities typically occurs within weeks, with continued improvement over months.
FAQs
Pain relief often begins soon after surgery, with continued improvement as swelling decreases and physical therapy progresses.
Patients with arthritis limited to the patellofemoral compartment and intact ligament function are the best candidates. A thorough evaluation determines eligibility.
No, patellofemoral replacement is intended only for isolated patellofemoral arthritis. If other compartments are involved, total knee replacement may be a better option.
As with any surgery, risks include infection, blood clots, implant wear, persistent pain, and the potential need for future surgery if arthritis progresses in other compartments.
Patellofemoral replacement offers a focused surgical solution for anterior knee pain caused by isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Contact Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle’s office in New York, Paramus, White Plains, NY, to schedule your personalized consultation.
