Patello femoral replacement is performed for osteoarthritis affecting the back of the kneecap. In about 10% of arthritis patients the majority of their knee symptoms are coming from a worn kneecap. These people suffer from knee pain when crouching, climbing and descending stairs, walking up slopes and getting out of low chairs. Patients with this condition are usually able to walk with minimal pain on the level.

Initially patello femoral arthritis can be treated with painkillers, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and, in the earlier stages, arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) but as the knee progressively wears, joint replacement surgery may be required to relieve the pain and improve mobility.

If the majority of the joint is free from arthritis (or displays minimal symptoms) it may be possible to replace the back of the patella and the front of the femur (thigh bone) to provide relief. If other parts of the knee are also affected a total knee replacement is the better option.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

The surgery involves removing a small thickness of the damaged bone from the front of the femur (thigh bone) and the back of the patella (kneecap). The patello femoral replacement fits inside the space and is fixed to the bone with cement.

The operation takes about 40 minutes and involves a 10-15cm incision over the front of the knee. The wound is closed with either clips or an absorbable suture.

The patello femoral prosthesis comes in 2 parts. The femoral component is made of metal and is highly polished. The back of the patella is covered with a plastic button, which sits in a shallow groove on the front of the metal femoral component. Essentially a patello femoral replacement is the front part of a total knee replacement, but leaves the unworn cartilage over the rest of the joint intact.

The day after the operation your exercise regime begins. With the aid of a physiotherapist you will get out of bed and begin to exercise your new knee replacement. With perseverance, you should be able to climb stairs by the second day and go home the following day.

You will need to continue attending physiotherapy as an outpatient.  For most people it will take around 6 weeks to be walking reasonably with only one stick. After four months you should be able to walk well without pain, climb stairs (leading with your operated leg) and be capable of a range of movement with your new knee from 0 degrees to at least 120 degrees.

It is important to remember that an artificial knee is not a normal knee; you may well be able to carry out many normal activities of daily living. However, this range of movement may not be as good as it was before surgery and you may never be able to kneel after your patello femoral replacement.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Based in quiet and peaceful grounds facing Greenbank Park, we are only a 15-minute car journey from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and are well placed for easy access via public transport routes.

57 Greenbank Road,
Liverpool
L18 1HQ

Email: info@spireliverpool.com
Hospital reception: 0151 733 7123

Hospital director
Fergus Macpherson 

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.