Patellar Resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Contentious Matter

Orthopaedic surgeons hold differing opinions on replacing the patella during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee osteoarthritis, sparking a continued discussion on the optimal approach. Patellar resurfacing (PR) replaces the patella's surface with a prosthetic component, aiming to enhance joint function and reduce anterior knee pain. However, it has potential complications such as avascular necrosis, fractures, and patellar clunk syndrome. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness of TKA with and without PR, highlighting the variations in outcomes between the two methods. Findings suggest that resurfacing is associated with improved clinical outcomes, activity level, patient satisfaction, and pain relief. Nevertheless, the decision should be individualized based on patient preferences and circumstances. Additional long-term randomised controlled trials incorporating outcome measures specific to patellar function are required to better understand the effects of PR versus non-resurfacing in TKA.