Vanguard PFR Patellofemoral Replacement System

Design Rationale
This type of knee arthroplasty is reserved for patients with severe pain in the front or middle of the knee from cartilage degeneration of the patellofemoral compartment. The advantage of this particular procedure over a total knee replacement is that the surrounding cartilage, which may not be significantly degenerated, i.e. the meniscal cartilage and the ligaments are left alone and not removed, as they would have to be in a total knee replacement.

Indications
The Unicompartmental Patellofemoral Prosthesis is indicated for use in patients with osteoarthritis in the patellofemoral joint, a history of patellar dislocation or patellar fracture, and in patients with failed previous surgery where pain, deformity, or dysfunction persists. Both cruciate ligaments must be intact. The tibiofemoral joints should be well preserved, with an intact meniscus and full thickness of articular cartilage.

History
Walter F. Abendschein, M.D. of Washington, D. C. designed the Vanguard PFR Patellofemoral System. Dr. Abendschein is Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. and served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sibley Memorial Hospital for 18 years.

Distinguishing Features
Bone and ligament sparing for easier conversion to total knee replacement, the Vanguard PFR may be implanted utilizing a minimally invasive technique. The femoral component utilizes the same patellar and trochlear geometry and tracking as a total knee femoral implant and is used with a dome-type patella implant.