Isolated revision of failed metal-backed patellar components: outcome with minimum 4-year follow-up

Several reports document high failure rates of metal-backed patellar components, but few report the outcome of revising these components to all-polyethylene, cemented implants. At a mean 87.2-month follow-up, we describe a series of 36 patients (40 knees) who underwent isolated metal-backed patellar revision to a cemented, all-polyethylene patellar component. After the patellar revision, 5 patients (6 knees) underwent additional surgery, but no patellar components required revision. The additional surgeries were performed at an average of 77.6 months after patellar revision and included 3 tibial insert exchanges for polyethylene wear, 2 revisions of femoral and tibial components for osteolysis, and 1 realignment procedure for recurrent subluxation of the patella. We conclude that revision of a failed metal-backed patellar component to a cemented, all-polyethylene patella is a durable, successful procedure.