Patelloplasty versus traditional total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effects of patelloplasty and traditional patellar management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis. A total of 152 patients with osteoarthritis treated with TKA between January 2004 and December 2005 were retrospectively studied. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the patelloplasty group (group A; n=76) and the traditional treatment group (group B; n=76). Knee Society Score (KSS), Feller patellar score, Lonner patellar score, patient satisfaction, joint range of motion (ROM), and incidence of postoperative anterior knee pain were compared between the groups. Mean follow-up was 55 months (range, 48-71 months) for 132 patients, including 68 patients in group A and 64 in group B. Significant differences were found in KSS functional score, Feller patellar score, Lonner patellar score, and patient satisfaction, but no significant differences were found in ROM and total KSS score between the groups postoperatively. Group A obtained higher KSS scores and patient satisfaction than group B, with no significant difference in postoperative anterior knee pain. Postoperative radiographs revealed a significant difference in patellofemoral congruence between the groups. Patelloplasty relieves pain, enhances patient satisfaction, and improves function better than traditional patellar management in TKA with patellar nonresurfacing.     

固定平台与旋转平台假体用于外翻膝的早期疗效观察

目的:比较外翻膝人工全膝关节置换术应用旋转平台和固定平台两型假体的早期临床疗效。方法:选取2011年1月至2013年12月吉林大学第一医院骨关节外科由同一医师进行初次人工膝关节置换的17例(23膝)进行回顾性随访研究,其中男2例,女15例;年龄48～75岁,平均61.5岁。术前诊断为骨性关节炎14例(19膝),类风湿性关节炎3例(4膝),所有膝关节有外翻畸形。其中9例(12膝)使用固定平台型假体(PFC Sigma),8例(11膝)使用旋转平台型假体(PFC Sigma RP).术前和术后随访行KSS、HSS、WOMAC评分,测量关节活动度、胫股角等指标,进行统计学分析。结果:所有患者获随访,时间6～36个月,平均25个月。两组患者膝外翻畸形均得到矫正,术后末次随访的KSS、HSS、WOMAC评分及膝关节活动度、胫股角较术前明显改善(P<0.01).其中固定平台组和旋转平台组在术后KSS、HSS、WOMAC评分以及胫骨角、膝关节活范围改善度方面比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);而术后末次随访膝关活动范围固定平台组(101.8±8.8)°与旋转平台组(108.4±7.2)°差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).旋转平台组没有发现垫片脱位,两组术后均无感染、腓总神经麻痹、脱位、膝关节不稳等并发症发生,X线检查未见假体骨溶解及松动发生。结论:外翻膝人工全膝关节置换术使用旋转平台和固定平台型假体均能获得满意的早期临床效果,两者的近期临床疗效比较无明显差异。     

The outcome of total knee arthroplasty in obese patients

BACKGROUND: Evidence linking increased body weight to osteoarthritis of the knee and the high prevalence of obesity underscore the importance of defining the outcome of total knee arthroplasty in obese patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of total knee arthroplasties performed in obese patients with those of total knee arthroplasties performed in nonobese patients. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic data on seventy-eight total knee arthroplasties in sixty-eight obese patients were compared with data on a matched group of nonobese patients. The analysis was also performed after stratification of the obese group for the degree of obesity. All patients had the same prosthesis. The clinical data that were analyzed included the Knee Society objective and functional scores, patellofemoral symptoms, activity level, and complications. RESULTS: The percentage of knees with a Knee Society score of > or =80 points at an average of eighty months was 88% in the obese group, which was significantly lower than the 99% rate in the nonobese group at the same time. The morbidly obese subgroup had a significantly higher revision rate than did the nonobese group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that any degree of obesity, defined as a body mass index of > or =30, has a negative effect on the outcome of total knee replacement.     

同期双侧与单侧全膝关节置换治疗膝骨关节炎的比较

[目的]比较同期双侧与单侧全膝关节置换术的安全性及临床疗效.[方法]回顾性分析2000年5月～2009年5月,因骨关节炎行硬膜外麻醉下初次全膝关节置换术患者705例,按同期双侧置换(268例)和单侧置换(437例)分为两组,比较两组患者的围手术期并发症、术后失血量、输血量、住院时间、费用与KSS临床及功能评分等各项指标.[结果]存在围手术期并发症的患者比例,双侧组(15.6％)高于单侧组(7.8％),其中心血管系统并发症发生率双侧组(7.3％)高于单侧组(3.2％).感染、死亡、肺栓塞等围手术期并发症发生率,两组之间差异无统计学意义.术后失血量及输血量双侧组高于单侧组.术后2年KSS临床评分两组间差异无统计学意义,KSS功能评分,双侧组高于单侧组,差异有统计学意义.[结论]对于双侧膝骨关节炎的患者,在硬膜外麻醉下行同期双侧全膝关节置换术经济、高效,且有理想的手术疗效.术前应对患者做全面健康评估,对存在严重合并症,尤其是心血管系统疾病患者,应尽量避免行同期双侧全膝关节置换术.     

A high flexion total knee arthroplasty design replicates healthy knee motion

Deep flexion affects both femorotibial contact pattern and the patellofemoral articulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the patellofemoral motion of nonimplanted and implanted knees and to analyze femorotibial kinematics after total knee replacement designed for deep flexion. Three-dimensional patellofemoral kinematics were evaluated during a deep knee bend using fluoroscopy for five control patients with a healthy knee, five patients with an anterior-cruciate-ligament-deficient knee, and 20 patients who had a high flexion total knee arthroplasty. Less translation of patellofemoral contact position was seen in patients who had knee replacements than in patients with healthy knees, but the average motion and the patella tilt angles were similar to the healthy knees. On average, patients who had a total knee arthroplasty had 4.9 degrees normal axial rotation, and all patients had at least -4.4 mm of posterior femoral rollback. The average weightbearing range of motion of the patients in the total knee arthroplasty group was 125 degrees . In this study, patients implanted with a high-flexion knee replacement design had kinematic patterns that were similar to the healthy knee. It can be hypothesized that forces acting on the patella were not substantially increased for patients who had a total knee arthroplasty compared with the control patients.     

单半径后稳定型假体全膝置换术后的中期随访报告

目的探讨单半径后稳定型假体全膝关节置换术后中期疗效。 方法回顾性研究上海市东方医院骨科自2012年6月至2015年1月,应用单半径后稳定型假体行全膝关节置换术(TKA)的20例(20膝)为观察组,纳入标准：初次单侧TKA,符合膝关节骨关节炎诊断标准;排除标准为双侧全膝关节置换术TKA或合并其他手术、药物成瘾、严重肝肾功能不全、类风湿关节炎、痛风性关节炎等其它炎症疾病、膝关节感染或可疑感染。其中女15例,男5例;平均年龄(68.3±0.5)岁。对照组20例为采用多半径后稳定型假体全膝置换。采用记录术前、末次随访美国膝关节协会评分(KSS评分)、膝关节功能评分,观察组与对照组的年龄、身体质量指数(BMI)、手术时间、KSS评分、功能评分比较采用t检验;观察组的术前与术后KSS评分、KSS功能评分及对照组的术前与术后KSS评分、KSS功能评分比较采用t检验,性别比例采用卡方检验。 结果所有病例均无感染,松动及静脉血栓症,平均随访(4.1±0. 6)年。术后随访X线片观察膝关节假体位置、力线等均显示良好。两组术后膝关节KSS评分(t＝1.428,P <0.05)、膝功能评分比较(t ＝2.75,P<0.01)差异均有统计学意义。 结论单半径后稳定型假体中期有令人满意的临床疗效。     

髌股关节软骨退变程度对单髁置换术后效果的影响

目的探讨髌股关节软骨退变程度对内侧活动平台单髁置换术短期疗效的影响。 方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2018年12月在深圳市人民医院因前内侧骨关节炎行内侧活动平台单髁置换或全膝关节置换术的75例患者资料,依据术中探查髌股关节软骨退变情况分为无退变单髁组(无退变组)、内侧退变单髁组(内侧退变组)、内外退变单髁组(内外退变组)和内外退变全膝组(全膝组)。单因素方差分析对比4组患者术前术后牛津大学膝关节评分(OKS)、美国特种外科医院(HSS)评分、骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)评分,并记录终末随访时有无假体松动、脱位、力线改变等情况。 结果所有患者获得随访,随访时间平均(36±10)个月。4组患者术后OKS评分、HSS评分、WOMAC评分较术前均有改善(F＝18.555,P<0.001;F＝5.867,P＝0.001;F＝22.671,P<0.001);术前术后OKS、HSS、WOMAC评分差值,无退变组与内侧退变组之间差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05),内外退变组与无退变组、内侧退变组相比,功能改善程度稍差(均为P<0.05),内外退变组与全膝组之间OKS、HSS、WOMAC评分差值差异无统计学意义(均为P>0.05)。所有病例于末次随访时无假体松动、脱位、力线改变。 结论内侧髌股关节软骨退变对内侧活动平台单髁置换术后疗效影响不大,但面对外侧髌股关节软骨退变时则需慎重,此时选择单髁或是全膝,需个性化考虑。     

Outcome of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients receiving worker's compensation

Nineteen patients with a worker's compensation board (WCB) claim treated by unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for medial compartment osteoarthritis were compared to 20 patients who had no WCB claim. In WCB patients, the mean Knee Society Score (KSS) improved from 47.4 to 76.9; the mean Knee Society function score, from 43.8 to 75; and the mean Knee society pain score, from 6.9 to 29.4. In non-WCB patients, the mean KSS improved from 43.3 to 90.7; the mean Knee Society function score, from 44.7 to 90; and the mean Knee Society pain score, from 3.6 to 41.7. The difference in improvement of KSS between the two groups was significant (P = .008). The postoperative KSS in the non-WCB patients was significantly higher than that of the WCB group (P = .007). There was no difference between the incidences of conversion to total knee arthroplasty.     

单髁置换术治疗单间室膝关节骨关节炎

目的探讨单髁置换术治疗单间室膝关节骨关节炎的临床效果。方法对18例膝关节骨关节炎患者采用单髁置换术治疗。结果手术时间80～120（92±9.89）min,出血量130～325（206±45.74）ml,手术切口一期愈合,未发生手术并发症。18例均获随访,时间12～25个月。KSS膝评分：优9例,良6例,中3例;KSS功能评分：优9例,良5例,中4例。膝关节KSS评分、WOMAC评分和膝关节活动度在术前和末次随访时比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,股胫角角度有改善。结论单髁置换术治疗单间室膝关节骨关节炎是创伤小、效果好的治疗方法。     

Simultaneous revision and contralateral primary total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding whether simultaneous or staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty should be performed in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis. In addition, revision total knee arthroplasties have been less successful than primary arthroplasties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of simultaneous revision and contralateral primary total knee arthroplasties performed during the same setting. METHODS: The study cohort included 150 knees in seventy-five patients who had undergone revision arthroplasty because of aseptic failure of a total knee arthroplasty and a contralateral primary arthroplasty for severe gonarthrosis under the same anesthetic. The study group was compared with a control group of sixty patients who had severe arthritis in one knee and had undergone unilateral revision total knee arthroplasty on the contralateral side. The duration of follow-up averaged five years in the group treated with the simultaneous arthroplasties and eight years in the control group. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated with the Knee Society rating system. RESULTS: In the study group, the average knee score improved by 48 points on the side of the primary arthroplasty and by 37 points on the side of the revision. At the last follow-up visit, most (sixty-five) of the seventy-five patients stated that the knee with the revision felt better than the knee with the simultaneously performed primary arthroplasty. In the control group, the average knee score improved by 30 points on the side of the revision arthroplasty. However, forty-five of the sixty patients had a primary total knee arthroplasty on the contralateral side within two years after the index revision arthroplasty; by four years, all sixty patients had undergone a contralateral primary arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: We found a favorable outcome in patients who had undergone simultaneous revision and contralateral primary total knee arthroplasties. Despite a lower mean knee score and less motion, most patients seemed to prefer the knee with the revision arthroplasty to the knee with the primary procedure. These results suggest that this combined procedure is a safe and favorable alternative to a staged procedure consisting of revision and subsequent contralateral primary total knee arthroplasty.     

Femoro-patellar prosthesis. A retrospective study of 45 consecutive cases with a follow-up of 3-12 years]

Forty-five consecutive patients operated between 1986 and 1995 were evaluated to assess the long term results of patellofemoral arthroplasty. Revision had to be performed in 8 cases for the following reasons: loosening (3), lateral impingement (3), malposition (1) and persistent patella instability (1). Two groups of patients were identified based upon the preoperative assessment: 21 had primary osteoarthritis without anatomic malalignment (group C) and 24 had a history of patellofemoral instability and trochlear dysplasia demonstrated by clinical and radiological evaluation (group D). Only 43% of good results were found in group C whereas in group D, the percentage of good results was close to 83%. The most common cause of poor results in group C was the degenerative involvement of the femorotibial compartments (5 patients had to undergo total knee arthroplasty subsequently). For group D patients, femorotibial osteoarthritis was not a determinant factor as regards the outcome of patellofemoral arthroplasty. To the authors, it appears that the best indication for patellofemoral arthroplasty is femoropatellar osteoarthritis with malalignment in patients having a normal femorotibial axis even in the presence of femorotibial osteoarthritis as long as the latter does not exceed grade II.     

Outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty after cardiac transplantation

The outcomes of 18 primary or revision total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) in 9 patients with cardiac transplants were reviewed. Primary total joint arthroplasties were performed for osteonecrosis (5 hips) or osteoarthritis (5 hips, 4 knees). There were no infections in any of these patients. Final Harris Hip Scores were 71.8 for patients with osteonecrosis and 88.6 for osteoarthritis. Eight of 10 hips were pain-free at final follow-up. Two of the 10 primary THAs required late revision at 7 and 10 years after the index arthroplasty. One patient (2 hips and 1 knee) had chronic bilateral lower extremity pain. Total knee arthroplasty range of motion averaged from 7.5° to 118°. Average final Knee Society function score was 79, and objective score was 88. One of 4 patients with primary TKA required a manipulation under anesthesia. No reoperations were required in this group. Overall, patients with heart transplantations on immunosuppression had generally good pain relief after THA and TKA. There were no infections in this small cohort; however, there were many complications.     

Patellar impingement following unicompartmental arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral complications (osteoarthritis and impingement) have been rarely reported after unicompartmental arthroplasty, and their long-term consequences are not known. The purpose of the present study was to analyze these complications following unicondylar arthroplasty. METHODS: We evaluated the results of ninety-nine unicompartmental arthroplasties that had been performed in eighty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The medial compartment was replaced in seventy-four knees and the lateral compartment, in twenty-five. All ninety-nine knees were evaluated with regard to patellar impingement and osteoarthritic changes on skyline radiographs after an average duration of follow-up of fourteen years (range, ten to twenty years). In addition, the seventy-seven knees (fifty-eight patients) that had not been revised were evaluated with use of the clinical scoring system of the Knee Society and specific questions regarding patellofemoral symptoms after an average duration of follow-up of fifteen years (range, ten to twenty years). The relationship between patellar complications (osteoarthritis and impingement) and the position of the femoral component was evaluated with use of lateral radiographs of the knee. RESULTS: At the time of the most recent follow-up, twenty-nine knees had osteoarthritic changes in the portion of the patellofemoral joint opposite the compartment with the implant and twenty-eight knees had impingement of the femoral component on the patella. The knees that had impingement did not have osteoarthritic changes. Pain while ascending or descending stairs and pain on rising from a chair were noted more frequently in knees with patellar complications (impingement and osteoarthritis) (p = 0.02), and these symptoms affected the stair-climbing functional score. These symptoms were more severe in knees with patellar impingement than in knees with degenerative changes. One revision was performed because of patellar impingement. Patellar impingement was more frequent after lateral arthroplasty than after medial arthroplasty (p = 0.02) and was associated with placement of the femoral component too far anteriorly (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: After unicompartmental arthroplasty, the patellofemoral joint was affected by degenerative changes and patellar impingement. These complications appeared to have been mutually exclusive and affected the functional outcome of the arthroplasty. Patellar impingement affected the knee more severely with regard to both symptoms and the need for revision.     

滑膜切除对全膝关节置换术治疗骨性关节炎临床效果的影响

目的探讨滑膜切除对全膝关节置换术治疗骨性关节炎临床效果的影响。方法回顾性分析自2011-07—2014-12诊治的105例膝关节骨性关节炎,分为试验组和对照组,试验组(56例)行膝关节置换术与滑膜切除术,对照组(49例)只行膝关节置换术。记录并比较2组手术时间、术后引流量、隐性失血量、输血率及住院时间等,术前和术后随访时进行VAS评分、KSS评分及测量关节活动度。结果试验组获得随访(17.0±4.2)个月,对照组获得随访(15.0±3.1)个月。试验组手术时间、隐性失血量、术后引流量较对照组多,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),2组住院时间及输血率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组术后4周及1年随访时VAS评分、KSS临床评分、KSS功能评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组术后3 d及术后7 d关节活动度比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论与单纯行膝关节置换术相比,膝关节置换同时行滑膜切除术在治疗骨性关节炎上无优势,然而行滑膜切除术会导致更多的体内失血,延长手术时间,从而增加了手术风险。     

The effect of obesity on the outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of joint arthroplasty in obese and non-obese patients. We reviewed 2,026 consecutive primary total hip and 535 primary total knee arthroplasties performed for osteoarthritis. Patients were separated into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI): non-obese (BMI < 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Their survivorships were compared. Case controlled studies were performed with 134 hip and 50 knee arthroplasties in obese patients. Each was matched individually with a control and their outcome compared. Log rank tests for equality of survival showed no difference in the survival for hip and knee arthroplasty at 11 and ten years, respectively. The obese group had significantly lower postoperative hip and knee scores at latest follow-up, especially in the range of motion. Overall patient satisfaction scores were comparable. There were no significant differences in the radiographic analysis of both hip and knee implants. Revision was used as an end point for the survival analysis. Functional scores (Harris hip score and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score), satisfaction for surgery and radiographic features were used as outcome measures for comparison. The mid-term survival of total hip and knee arthroplasty is not adversely affected by obesity. Despite lower clinical scores, the obese patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery and have an equivalent mid-term survival rate. It would be unreasonable to deny patients arthroplasty surgery purely on the basis of a BMI indicating obesity.     

Patellofemoral arthroplasty. A three- to nine-year follow-up study

Twenty-two patients with 25 patellofemoral arthroplasties (resurfacing of the patella and femoral groove) were evaluated to assess long-term results. A past history of patellofemoral malalignment or instability was obtained from 14 patients. Preoperative roentgenograms demonstrated patellofemoral osteoarthritis in all 25 knees; five patients had both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. The average age at the time of surgery was 62 years and follow-up time averaged 5.3 years. Results were determined using a modified Hungerford knee rating scale. Follow-up roentgenograms were evaluated for mechanical failure and progressive deterioration of the tibiofemoral joint. Eighteen of 25 (72%) patellofemoral arthroplasties were rated excellent or good. However, 15 of 17 patellofemoral arthroplasties (88%), all performed on women, had satisfactory results. There were seven failures. The presence of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis adversely affected the outcome; excluding the five patients with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, 17 of 20 patellofemoral arthroplasties (85%) had satisfactory results. Other reasons for failure were malposition of the components and persistent patellofemoral malalignment. Mechanical failure was not observed. Patellofemoral arthroplasty may be indicated for patients with osteoarthritis limited to the patellofemoral compartment.     

术前活动度对人工全膝关节置换术后功能影响的观察

目的回顾性分析患者手术前的活动度对人工全膝关节置换(TKA)术后功能的影响。方法随访2000年1月—2003年12月在我科行TKA的患者65例(97膝),年龄64．8±9．9岁(35～85岁)。其中骨性关节炎55例(81膝),类风湿关节炎10例(16膝)。单膝置换33例,双膝同时置换32例。所有患者按术前膝关节活动度数(ROM)分成两组,≤90°(5°～90°)49膝,>90°(95°～140°)48膝。对两组患者进行疗效(最大屈膝度、活动度、KSS评分及功能评分)对比。所有患者均采用Scorpio后稳定型骨水泥固定的假体,均为初期置换,全部手术由同一组医师完成。术后3 d在同一康复师指导下行患肢CPM及主动功能锻炼至出院。结果平均随访时间29个月(10～44个月)。所有膝关节的活动度从术前的平均84．2°(5°～140°)提高到术后的平均101．6°(40°～140°) (P=0．000);而最大屈膝度数术前的平均103．5°(25°～140°)与术后的平均101．6°(40°～140°)无显著差异(P=0．439);KSS膝关节评分从术前平均19．5分(-24～62分)提高到术后平均78．8分(50～95分)(P=0．000)。所有患者的总满意度为93．8％(61／65)。两个分组比较,ROM≤90°的膝关节ROM及最大屈膝度术后均较术前有提高,而ROM>90°的膝关节平均最大屈膝度术后反而下降。没有翻修及深部感染。结论(1)在影响TKA术后膝关节功能的多种因素中,手术技术是关键因素。(2)在其他因素相同的情况下,术前膝关节的活动度对TKA术后的功能也有很大的影响,术前活动度大的膝关节比那些术前活动度小的膝关节术后能获得更好的功能。     

全膝关节置换术前心理状态与术后早期膝关节功能的相关性研究

  目的 探讨全膝关节置换术前患者心理状态与术后膝关节功能的相关性。方法 2010年7至10月接受全膝关节置换且符合纳入标准的骨关节炎患者 111例（155膝）,按照医院焦虑抑郁量表（Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,HADS）对术前心理状态进行评估。HADS≥8分（有焦虑、抑郁）者纳入心 理组（21例）,HADS0.05）;与术后6个月膝关节疼痛呈正相关（r=0.613,0.530,0.500,0.473;P0.05）。结论 患者术前的焦虑、抑郁状态对全膝关节置 换术后膝关节功能的恢复有负面影响。     

Overweight preoperatively impairs clinical outcome after knee arthroplasty

Background Obesity contributes much to the development of knee osteoarthritis. However, the association between obesity and outcome after knee replacement is controversial. We investigated whether there was an association between the preoperative body mass index (BMI) of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and their quality of life (QoL) and physical function 3–5 years after surgery.

Methods 197 patients who had undergone primary TKA participated in a 3–5 year follow-up study. The outcome measures were the patient-reported Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the American Knee Society score (KSS).

Results Ordinal logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age, sex, disease, and surgical approach) revealed a statistically significant correlation between BMI and 9 of the 14 outcome measures. For all outcome measures, we found an odds ratio (OR) of < 1. A difference in BMI of 1 kg/m² increased the risk of a lower score from a minimum of 2% (OR = 0.98 (0.93–1.03); p = 0.5) (Mental Component score) to a maximum of 13% (OR = 0.87 (0.82–0.93); p < 0.001) (KSS function score).

Interpretation Our findings indicate that TKA patients’ preoperative BMI is a predictor of the clinical effect and patients’ quality of life 3–5 years postoperatively. A high BMI increases the risk of poor QoL (SF-36) and physical function (KSS).     

Influence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis on functional outcome after unicondylar knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is generally considered a contraindication for unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Therefore, even with an intact lateral compartment, bicondylar surface replacement is preferred when patellofemoral osteoarthritis is present, despite comparatively worse functional results. In the present study, the influence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis on the outcome of the Oxford III unicondylar implant was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The HSS and the patella score according to Turba were used to retrospectively evaluate the outcome of 44 Oxford III unicondylar implants at an average follow-up of 35 months. The degree of patellofemoral osteoarthritis was radiographically graded according to the Sperner score. RESULTS: The HSS score improved to an average of 92.3 points (68-99; p<0.001 vs preoperative score). With the patella score, only good and very good results were observed. At follow-up examination almost 70% of the knees showed patellofemoral osteoarthritis of degree III-IV. No correlation was found between the functional scores and the degree of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Radiographic patellofemoral osteoarthritis seems to have no influence on the functional outcome of the Oxford III unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Therefore, unicondylar surface replacement is indicated even with radiographic evidence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis, provided that it is clinically asymptomatic.