[Patellar tracking in knee arthroplasty]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical engineering

Context:

• Knee arthroplasty is a complex procedure with numerous factors influencing success.
• The patellofemoral joint is a critical, yet often overlooked, component in knee replacement outcomes.
• Complications related to the patellofemoral joint can lead to significant patient morbidity, including pain and reduced mobility.

Purpose:

• To discuss the causes of patellar maltracking after knee arthroplasty.
• To highlight the importance of patellofemoral joint considerations in surgical planning and execution.
• To identify strategies for optimizing patellar tracking and improving clinical results.

Summary:

• Patellar maltracking is a common complication in knee arthroplasty, often resulting from incorrect component placement (tibial and femoral) and altered patellar morphology.
• Proper alignment of implant components and consideration of bony and soft tissue factors are crucial for achieving optimal patellar movement.
• This manuscript reviews the etiological factors contributing to patellar maltracking and proposes methods to mitigate these issues.

Impact:

• Improved patient outcomes and satisfaction following knee arthroplasty.
• Reduced incidence of revision surgeries due to patellofemoral complications.
• Enhanced understanding of biomechanical principles for successful knee replacement surgery.