Retention of superficially damaged femoral components after metal-backed patella component failure

Metal-backed patellar components have been associated with high rates of failure often causing surface damage to the femoral component. Retention of a superficially damaged femoral component may be an alternative to a more extensive patellar and femoral component revision. Twenty-three metal-backed patellar components were revised. Superficially damaged femoral components were retained when a described set of criteria were met. At an average follow-up of 80.3 months, evidence of only 1 failure (4%) was observed. The Knee Society knee score improved from 69 to 88 (P < .001), whereas the Knee Society knee function score improved from 52 to 63 (P < .003). The findings from this study indicate that retaining a superficially damaged femoral component after metal-backed patella revision is a reasonable surgical option.