Minimum 5-Year Results With Duracon Press-Fit Metal-Backed Patellae

Negative outcomes of earlier metal-backed patella designs have overshadowed reports of positive outcomes achieved with careful attention paid to component design, patellar tracking, and surgical technique. Much as reported elsewhere, we found earlier component failures were caused by poor locking mechanisms, thin polyethylene, poor tracking, and minimal femur contact. Over the past decade, however, our outcomes with Duracon metal-backed patellae have been encouraging. We think these positive outcomes, seen over a minimum 5-year follow-up, are largely attributable to the thicker polyethylene and improved articular conformity of this component relative to earlier designs.