Related Experiment Videos
Patellofemoral problems following total knee arthroplasty
1Mount Carmel Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
Orthopaedic Review
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Patellar complications after knee arthroplasty, including loosening, fractures, and dislocations, occurred at a 4.9% rate. Management strategies include nonoperative care for fractures and revision surgery for component issues.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Patellar problems are a recognized complication following total knee arthroplasty.
- Understanding the types and incidence of patellofemoral complications is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and types of patellofemoral complications after knee arthroplasty.
- To evaluate the management and outcomes of these complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 350 knee arthroplasties performed between 1977 and 1984.
- Identification and classification of patellofemoral complications.
- Analysis of surgical and nonoperative management strategies.
Main Results:
- A 4.9% complication rate was observed in 17 knees, with diagnoses including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Nineteen complications were identified: five loosenings, three patellar fractures, one component fracture, and ten subluxations/dislocations.
- Sixteen revision surgeries were performed on 11 knees; six were managed nonoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Patellar complications are a frequent cause of problems after total knee arthroplasty.
- Recommendations include nonoperative management for patellar fractures and revision surgery for implant loosening or component fracture.
- Careful selection of realignment procedures is advised to minimize complications.