Patellofemoral resurfacing at total knee arthroplasty

Contemp Orthop. 1994 Oct;29(4):265-71.

Abstract

A retrospective review of 268 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) with a mean follow-up of four years is presented. The patellae were resurfaced in all cases. There were six complications (2.2%) referable to the patellofemoral articulation: three subluxations, one patellar fracture, one loosening of a metal-backed patellar component, and one patellar tendon avulsion. Successful patellofemoral resurfacing (PFR) can be accomplished with minimal complications if the following technical considerations are met: 5-7 degrees of valgus alignment; medial placement of the patellar component; taking care not to increase either the AP diameter of the knee or the thickness of the patella; avoiding internal rotation of either the tibial or femoral components and proper soft tissue balancing. A thorough review of patellofemoral complications after TKA is presented, and technical considerations relevant to the successful performance of PFR are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty / methods
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Femur / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Knee Prosthesis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patella / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Retrospective Studies