Although more rare than bi-compartmental or tri-compartmental osteoarthritis, isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) may not be as uncommon as once thought. (graphs 1 and 2)

Patellofemoral pain can interfere with the activities of daily living, causing pain during stair climbing and chair rise.³ While TKA is unparalleled as a procedure for pain relief and longevity, it is a large operation for isolated patellofemoral disease. The literature cites the loss of bone, meniscus, and ligaments as detriments, particularly for younger, more active patients.⁴

Clinical References

<sub>1. Davies AP; Vince AS; Shepstone L; Donell ST; Glasgow MM. The radiologic prevalence of patellofemoral arthritis. Clin Orthop 402: 206-212, 2002.

2.McAlindon RE; Snow S; Cooper C; Dieppe PA. Radiographic patterns of osteoarthritis of the knee joint in the community: The importance of the patellofemoral joint. Ann Rheum Dis 51: 844-849, 1992.

3. Laskin, RS, van Steijn, M. Total knee replacement for patients with patellofemoral arthritis. Clin Orthop 367:89-95, 1999.</sub>

_{4. Merchant, A. A Modular Prosthesis for Patellofemoral Arthroplasty. Clin Orthop. 436, pp. 40-46.}

First generation PFJ implants had sharp, constraining trochlear grooves and were prone to complications such as maltracking and catching of the patella.⁵ Interest in less invasive procedures that retain the ACL for superior kinematics has increased, particularly among surgeons treating younger, more active patients. Second generation implants improved upon implant design, but instrumentation continued to be less sophisticated, relying on freehand preparation which can be highly variable. Given the relative rarity of isolated patellofemoral OA, a straightforward, easy-to-use technique is critical.

The JOURNEY^◊ PFJ System addresses the needs of surgeons performing this procedure with a simple, highly reproducible technique and an anatomic implant optimized for patellar tracking. The JOURNEY^◊ PFJ System offers surgeons looking for a less invasive, more bone and ligament sparing treatment option for more active patients the combination of proven performance and powerful precision.

Clinical References

_{5. Lonner, Jess. Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Pros, Cons, and Design Considerations. Clin Othop. 428, Nov. 2004, pp. 158-165.}