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Is patellectomy compatible with an Army career?
C A Pailthorpe1, S Milner, M M Sims
1Royal Army Medical College, Millbank, London.
Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Patellectomy, the surgical removal of the kneecap, had a limited impact on soldiers' careers, with only 29% returning to full fitness. Outcomes were poorer for chondromalacia patellae and osteoarthritis compared to patellar fractures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Military medicine
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Patellectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the patella.
- Assessing the long-term functional outcomes of patellectomy is crucial for military personnel.
- Previous studies have shown variable success rates for patellectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of patellectomy on the service career of soldiers.
- To determine the rate of return to full fitness after patellectomy in a military population.
- To compare outcomes based on the indication for patellectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 184 soldiers who underwent patellectomy between 1981 and 1986.
- Data collected from computer records.
- Success defined as regaining a fully fit category for service.
Main Results:
- Only 53 patients (29%) regained full fitness after patellectomy.
- Outcomes were less favorable for patients with chondromalacia patellae and osteoarthritis.
- Patellar fractures showed a comparatively better prognosis post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Patellectomy has a limited success rate in enabling soldiers to return to full service capacity.
- The underlying condition significantly influences the outcome of patellectomy in military personnel.
- Further research into alternative treatments for patellar conditions in soldiers is warranted.