Knee Implants
Vanguard™ PFR Patellofemoral Replacement System

The knee is a hinge joint formed by the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone), and patella (kneecap). The ends of the bones in the joint are covered with cartilage, a tough lubricating tissue that helps cushion the bones during movement.

Osteoarthritis can affect the cartilage found in the knee joint. One area that can be affected is the area beneath the patella as it moves against the end of the femur, often referred to as the patellofemoral compartment. This small area of cartilage deterioration can lead to pain at the front of the knee.

Patients with patellofemoral arthritis may be able to walk easily on level surfaces but have pain going up and down stairs, rising from a seated position, or getting out of a car.

When the pain at the front of the knee is no longer treatable with non-surgical methods, a surgeon may consider joint replacement surgery. In the past, the only method of treating this limited area of painful cartilage deterioration was with a total joint replacement.

With careful thought and precision engineering, Biomet, Inc. developed a special implant, The Vanguard™ PFR, that can effectively treat 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 affected, is not removed, as it would have to be in a total knee replacement.

The distinct advantage of the Vanguard™ PFR Knee is that the surrounding bone and ligament structures are not surgically altered, which makes for more normal function and easier conversion to total knee replacement, if required. The Vanguard™ PFR Knee may be implanted utilizing a minimally invasive technique.

While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, misalignment, and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as the patient's postoperative activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

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