Patient-based outcomes in patellofemoral arthroplasty

This retrospective study evaluated the short-term functional outcome of patellofemoral arthroplasty using patient-based outcome measures. The study cohort included 17 patients who underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty (14 unilateral and 3 bilateral) between 1996 and 2005. Mean patient age was 56 years (range, 43-65 years), and mean follow-up was 52.5 months (range, 24-84 months). Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. Functional assessment was performed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Mean HSS knee score was 64 (range, 51-79) preoperatively and 90 (range, 71-100) postoperatively. Mean postoperative SF-36 scores were compared with normative data compiled by the British Omnibus Survey in 1992. Scores for physical and social functioning, role limitation due to physical and emotional problems, and pain were poorer compared with mental health and energy/vitality. Mean postoperative scores for the 5 KOOS subscales ranged from 51% to 72%. These findings indicate patient-based outcome measures should be used routinely for functional assessment of patients undergoing patellofemoral arthroplasty.