J Knee Surg 2004; 17(3): 151-155
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248214
Original Article

© 2004 Thieme Medical Publishers

Results of Resurfacing a Native Patella in Patients With a Painful Total Knee Arthroplasty

Monti Khatod1 , Michael Codsi2 , Benjamin Bierbaum3
  • 1The Department of Orthopedics, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Baldwin Park, Calif
  • 2The Department of Orthopedics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass
  • 3The New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, Mass
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 January 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Between 1990 and 2003, 24 patients (28 knees) who had a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and underwent subsequent patella resurfacing without revision of the tibial or femoral components to alleviate pain were identified. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively and patients were interviewed after average 2.9-year follow-up (range: 1-12 years) to assess function, pain, and satisfaction with the procedure.

Average patient age at revision surgery was 68 years, and the average time from the index TKA was 9.8 years. Mean Knee Society function and pain scores were 68±28 and 45±16, respectively. Average preoperative range of motion was 102° (range: 65°-130°), and average postoperative range of motion was 106° (range: 65°-130°). Only 52% of patients would undergo revision surgery again given their current levels of pain and function.

Revision of only the patella for patients with a painful TKA who did not undergo patella resurfacing at the initial surgery provides 52% satisfactory results. Surgeons should look for other causes of pain in this patient population and reconsider their indications for not resurfacing the patella in TKA.

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