A new concept for precise patella resection in total knee arthroplasty

We developed a new patella-cutting guide that simplifies proper alignment and enables resection of the correct thickness of bone. This guide consists of a central shaft, two support frames, and a ring. The ring consists of upper and lower disks, with a slot between the disks. The central shaft and the lower disk have holes for fixation pins. The distance from the distal end of the central shaft to the lowest level of the slot is 8 mm. Bone of the same thickness as that of the patellar component can be automatically resected using this guide. A feeler gauge is inserted through the slot, and the periarticular region is felt. This procedure enables the guide to be set at the correct angulation. A laboratory study using fresh-frozen cadaver patella specimens and a clinical study showed that proper alignment and proper resection were achieved using this guide.