## Introduction
For some patients, knee pain is located exclusively at the front of the knee, underneath the kneecap. If the rest of the knee is healthy, a **Total Knee Replacement** is unnecessary. **Patellofemoral Joint Replacement (PFJR)** provides a targeted solution that preserves the majority of the patient’s natural joint.
## Understanding Patellofemoral Arthritis
This condition occurs when the cartilage between the patella (kneecap) and the femoral trochlea (groove) wears away. It causes intense pain during stairs, squatting, and rising from a chair.
## The PFJR Procedure
The surgeon replaces the worn femoral groove with a metal “trochlear shield” and caps the back of the kneecap with a polyethylene button.
* **Preservation:** Unlike TKA, all ligaments (ACL/PCL) and the medial/lateral compartments are left untouched.
* **Kinematics:** The knee continues to move naturally because the main weight-bearing surfaces are the patient’s own bone and cartilage.
## Ortholyx PFJR Design Features
1. **Anatomical Trochlea:** Our implants are designed based on 3D morphometric data to ensure smooth tracking of the patella throughout the entire range of motion.
2. **Thin Profile:** Minimizes bone removal, making any future conversion to a total knee much simpler.
3. **Self-Centering Patella:** Ensures the kneecap stays in the groove, reducing the risk of “catching” or “clicking.”
## Conclusion
PFJR is the ultimate “targeted” orthopedic procedure. For the right patient, it offers faster recovery and a more natural-feeling knee compared to total replacement. Ortholyx is proud to support this limb-preserving technology.