Patellofemoral Replacement
in Miami

What Is Patellofemoral Replacement?

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA), also called patellofemoral replacement, resurfaces only the kneecap joint — the articulation between the patella and the femur — when the medial and lateral compartments of the knee are healthy. It is a smaller, tissue-preserving alternative to total knee replacement for isolated kneecap arthritis.

By preserving healthy bone, ligaments, and natural knee mechanics, many patients experience relief of anterior knee pain and improved function with less surgery than a full knee replacement. Careful patient selection with imaging and examination is essential. Medial and lateral unicompartmental knee replacement (UKA) is described on our partial knee replacement page.

Who Is a Candidate?

• Arthritis isolated to the patellofemoral compartment (confirmed on X-ray and clinical exam)
• Healthy medial and lateral knee compartments
• Anterior knee pain or grinding that limits daily activities
• Failed non-surgical management (physical therapy, activity modification, injections as appropriate)
• Realistic goals discussed with your surgeon after imaging review

Recovery & Same-Day Discharge

Dr. Denyer is a strong advocate for outpatient joint replacement when it is safe and appropriate. Enhanced recovery pathways and multimodal pain management help many patients walk within hours of surgery and recover at home. Many patellofemoral replacement patients are candidates for same-day discharge after evaluation of their health, support at home, and surgical plan.

Surgery — including same-day discharge when appropriate — is performed at UHealth HSS SoLé Mia and UHealth Tower. Call 305-243-3000 to schedule a visit at any of Dr. Denyer’s UHealth clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

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