Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis is now recognised to be more common than previously thought. The features and management are reviewed, including the various surgical options in symptomatic patients. The evidence base for managing patellofemoral osteoarthritis is behind that for the tibiofemoral joint. All treatments are based on uncontrolled observational case series, typically retrospectively reviewed. Fortunately the majority of patients with isolated patellofemoral degenerative changes do not need surgical treatment. Those who are symptomatic can usually be successfully treated with weight loss and quadriceps strengthening exercises.