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The patella in total knee arthroplasty
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|May 1, 1982
Summary
Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty showed slightly better outcomes but a higher fracture risk compared to patelloplasty. Most patients could not discern a significant difference between the two surgical techniques.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Knee Arthroplasty Research
Background:
- The necessity of patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty remains debated.
- Current literature lacks definitive consensus on the optimal patellar management strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patellar resurfacing versus patelloplasty in total knee arthroplasty.
- To evaluate patient-reported differences between the two patellar management techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 77 total knee arthroplasties (ICLH design).
- Inclusion of 12 bilateral cases with one knee undergoing patellar resurfacing and the contralateral knee undergoing patelloplasty.
- Comparison of functional outcomes and incidence of patellar fractures.
Main Results:
- Patellar resurfacing yielded marginally better patient outcomes.
- Only three patients (25%) could differentiate between the two surgical techniques in their bilateral knees.
- The incidence of patellar fracture was significantly higher following patellar resurfacing compared to patelloplasty.
Conclusions:
- While patellar resurfacing may offer slight functional advantages, the increased risk of patellar fracture warrants careful consideration.
- Patelloplasty appears to be a safer alternative with comparable patient satisfaction in this cohort.
- Further research is needed to optimize patellar management in total knee arthroplasty.