Comparison between patellar resurfacing with an inset plastic button and patelloplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure to alleviate pain and restore function.
• The management of the patella during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a topic of debate.
• Patellar resurfacing and patelloplasty are two common techniques for patellar management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of patellar resurfacing versus patelloplasty in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• To evaluate complications, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction between the two patellar management techniques.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 101 patients who underwent TKA with the Tricon P prosthesis.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 68 with patellar resurfacing (recessed press-fit plastic button) and 43 with patelloplasty (shaving and osteophyte removal).
• Follow-up was for 2 or more years, assessing complications, patellofemoral aching, stair climbing ability, and overall satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Patellar resurfacing had a lower incidence of patellar fractures (3%) compared to patelloplasty (4.6% requiring subsequent replacement).
• Patellofemoral aching was less frequent in the resurfacing group (7.6%) than the patelloplasty group (17.6%).
• Significantly more patients in the resurfacing group could climb stairs without aids (61.5%) compared to the patelloplasty group (37.2%).

Conclusions:

• Patellar resurfacing with an inset button improves functional outcomes, such as stair climbing, and reduces patellofemoral aching after TKA.
• Patellar resurfacing demonstrates a favorable complication profile compared to patelloplasty.
• The use of an inset patellar button in TKA is associated with few drawbacks and enhances the quality of surgical results.