The Lubinus patellofemoral arthroplasty: a series of 17 cases

Introduction. The Lubinus patellofemoral arthroplasty was introduced in our institution in 1994. The first 17 patients were followed-up in order to identify the short-term outcome for this prosthesis. Materials and methods. The average age at surgery was 66 years (range 37-82 years). The mean follow-up was 19 months. The indications for surgery were strictly limited to radiographically proven primary osteoarthritis affecting only the patellofemoral joint (13) and secondary arthritis due to maltracking, subluxation (3) or trauma to the patella (1). At review, the range of movement and Lysholm and Tegner scores were recorded and radiographs obtained. Patients were also asked if their outcome was satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Results. At review, only 9 (53%) knees were classified as satisfactory by the patients. Further surgery had been carried out in 6 cases (35%) including revision to total knee arthroplasty in 4 (24%). Other complications included clicking and subluxation in 3 cases (18%), extension block in 3 (18%) and infection in 1 (6%). Progression of osteoarthritis to involve other compartments occurred in 2 cases (12%). Conclusions. Many of these early problems are related to the unforgiving nature of the prosthesis on insertion. These poor early results have led us to stop using the prosthesis.