Patellofemoral Arthritis: The Knee Problem Many Patients Miss
Many people assume that if they can walk without pain, their knees are in good shape. But that’s not always true – especially when it comes to patellofemoral arthritis, a condition that affects the area behind the kneecap.
In fact, some of the most telling symptoms show up in movements we tend to overlook. Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine’s Dr. Daniel Sohn, MD, explains:
“People say, ‘I can walk fine.’ But then you ask them to step up on something – and they can’t do it.”
This disconnect is often due to increased pressure behind the kneecap, not the main weight-bearing parts of the knee.
“Sitting… there’s increased pressure on your patella – even more than when you are walking,” Dr. Sohn notes.
Common Symptoms of Kneecap Arthritis
Patients with patellofemoral arthritis may feel relatively normal during flat walking but struggle with:
- Climbing or descending stairs
- Standing up from a seated position
- Knee extension (straightening the leg)
- Activities that load the kneecap
In some cases, the issue can become severe without being immediately obvious.
Dr. Sohn recalls: “I had one patient… I thought she had a stroke because she had no function of her knee extension. She got a knee replacement and regained strength.”
Treatment Options for Patellofemoral Arthritis
Treatment depends on severity, but when surgery becomes necessary, technique matters – especially when addressing kneecap mechanics.
One approach Dr. Sohn uses is the Jiffy Knee replacement, which focuses on preserving the natural structures around the knee.
“Basically what it is, is not cutting muscle, not cutting tendons, and not cutting any ligaments,” he explains. “You sort of sneak in and sneak out of the knee with the least violation of any substantive structures.”
This is particularly important for patients with patella-related issues. Maintaining the balance of structures around the kneecap can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
“Anything you can do to preserve medial structures that prevent the patella [from] subluxation or dislocation is going to be extremely important,” says Dr. Sohn.
Unlike traditional approaches that may require releasing structures to correct alignment, this method focuses on preserving the knee’s natural balance from the start.
The result is often:
- Better patella tracking
- Less post-operative instability
- Faster recovery
- More natural movement
The key takeaway is this: walking without pain doesn’t mean your knee is healthy.
If you’re experiencing difficulty with stairs, sitting, or straightening your leg, it may be a sign of patellofemoral arthritis or another underlying issue.
Early evaluation can help identify the problem – and in many cases, open the door to more effective, less invasive solutions.
Contact our team for a consultation with one of our Orthopaedic Surgeons at our St. Joseph, Michigan or Niles, Michigan practice locations.