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PurposeTo define the minimal detectable change (MDC) for the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) and Kujala scores one and two years after patellofemoral joint arthroplasty (PFA). MethodsA distribution‐based method (one‐half the standard deviation of the mean difference between postoperative and preoperative outcome scores) was applied to establish MDC thresholds among 225 patients undergoing primary PFA at a single high‐volume musculoskeletal‐care center. Stability of change in MDC achievement was explored by quantifying the proportion of achievement at one‐ and two‐year postoperative timepoints. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between sociodemographic and operative features on MDC achievement. ResultsMDC thresholds for the Kujala score were 10.3 (71.1% achievement) and 10.6 (70.4% achievement) at one‐ and two years, respectively. The MDC thresholds for the IKDC score were 11.2 (78.1% achievement) and 12.3 (69.0% achievement) at one‐ and two years, respectively. Predictors of achieving the MDC for the Kujala and IKDC scores at both time points were lower preoperative Kujala and IKDC scores, respectively. Preoperative thresholds of ≤ 24.1 and 7.6 for the Kujala and IKDC scores, respectively, were associated with a 90% MDC achievement probability. When preoperative thresholds approached 64.3 and 48.3 for the Kujala and IKDC, respectively, MDC achievement probability reduced to 50%. ConclusionThe MDC thresholds for the Kujala and IKDC scores two years after PFA were 10.6 and 12.3, respectively. Clinically significant health status changes were maintained overall, with a slight decrease in achievement rates between one and two years. MDC achievement was associated with disability at presentation, and several probability‐based preoperative thresholds were defined. These findings may assist knee surgeons with patient selection and the decision to proceed with PFA by better understanding the patient‐specific propensity for MDC achievement. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective case series.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral arthritis in the setting of concomitant patellar instability. Patients who underwent single-stage, combined PFA and MPFL reconstruction by a single surgeon at a tertiary-care orthopaedic center between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Postoperative radiographic and clinical outcomes at a minimum of 6 months were recorded using patient-reported outcome measures, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, and VR-12. Early complications and rates of recurrent instability were also recorded. Of the 16 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 patients were available for final follow-up (81%; 51.7 ± 7.2 years, 11 females, 2 males) with a mean clinical follow-up of 1.3 ± 0.5 years (range: 0.5–2.3 years). Patients experienced significant improvements in patellar tilt and multiple patient-reported outcome metrics postoperatively, including IKDC, Kujala, VR-12 Mental Health, and VR-12 Physical Health. At the time of the most recent follow-up, no patient had experienced a postoperative dislocation or subluxation event. The findings suggest that concurrent PFA and MPFL reconstruction are associated with significant improvements in multiple patient-reported outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the duration of clinical benefits achieved with this combined intervention.