Summary

Arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation for the treatment of patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the surgical procedure and clinical effects in treatment of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) with arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation.

Methods

A total of 156 PFOA patients (62 males, 94 females; aged 45-61 years old, mean 52) treated in our department between September 2011 and March 2013 were involved in this study. The clinical manifestations included recurrent swelling and pains in knee-joint, and aggravated pains upon going up/down-stairs, squatting-down, or standing-up. PFOAs were treated with arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation. The therapeutic effects before and after surgery were statistically evaluated using Lysholm scores and Kujala scores. The therapeutic effects were graded by classification of cartilage injury degrees.

Results

A total of 149 cases were successfully followed up for 14.8 months on average. The incisions cured well and no complication occurred. The average Lysholm score was improved from 73.29 to 80.93 and the average Kujala score from 68.34 to 76.48 after surgery. This procedure was highly effective for patients with I - III degree cartilage injury, but not for patients with IV degree cartilage injury.

Conclusions

For PFOA patients, this procedure is effective for significantly relieving anterior knee pains, improving knee-joint functions and quality of life, and deferring arthritic procession.