Lateral patellar facet impingement after primary total knee arthroplasty: it does exist

J Arthroplasty. 2014 May;29(5):970-6. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.09.055. Epub 2013 Oct 8.

Abstract

The existence of the diagnosis "lateral patellar facet impingement" (LPFI) is controversial and the outcomes for surgical revision for symptomatic LPFI uncertain. We found that of the 3361 index knee revisions performed at our institution from 1995 to 2008, eleven were done for symptomatic LPFI. Their clinical histories and radiographic imaging were reviewed before and after revision TKA and were also compared to a group of control patients. We found no statistically significant differences between the groups in preoperative KS pain and function scores or radiographic features. However, the combined findings of pain in the subpatellar/lateral aspect of the knee post TKA and radiographic lateral facet contact were significantly associated with revision due to LPFI. Surgical revision results were variable, but~2/3 of the patients were satisfied with the operation and had a significant improvement in KS function scores.

Keywords: lateral patellar facet impingement (LPFI); patellofemoral joint; total knee arthroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Diseases / etiology
  • Joint Diseases / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patellofemoral Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Patellofemoral Joint / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation