Patellar Osteonecrosis Following Knee Arthroscopy

Patellar osteonecrosis is a rare condition, although knee osteonecrosis has been described in the arthroplasty literature. This is the first case describing knee arthroscopy as the cause of osteonecrosis. A 50-year-old woman who was experiencing knee pain during her marathon training and singles tennis underwent knee arthroscopy for a torn medial meniscus. The result of her partial medial meniscectomy led to patellar osteonecrosis 3 months following the index procedure. Osteonecrosis of the knee has been reported in the arthroplasty and sports medicine literature following surgical intervention, usually in total knee replacement or more complex surgical operations. However, patellar osteonecrosis following knee arthroscopy has not been reported previously. Taking care of the anterior fat pad is essential to avoid disruption of important blood supply to the patella. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):e552-e554.].