Clinical Study of Patellar Resurfacing and Non-resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study of Patellar Resurfacing and Non-resurfacing in One-stage Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

The literature regarding resurfacing of the patella in total knee arthroplasty has conflicting conclusions. This study assesses medium-term clinical results of total knee arthroplasties performed with and without the patellar resurfacing in patients undergoing single-staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty in a randomized controlled, clinical study at a minimum of 5 years follow-up.

Sixty-six patients (132 knees) underwent primary single-staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to receive resurfacing or retention of the patella. All patients received the Scorpio NRG knee prosthesis. Evaluations were done preoperatively and yearly, up to a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Knee Society Score and Feller Score outcomes were measured. Anterior knee pain, the clunk of patella, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• degenerative OA
• 50-75 years
• All patients with OA were bilateral knee OA

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous patellectomy
• inflammatory arthritis
• patellar fracture
• patellar instability
• previous extensor mechanism procedures
• high tibial osteotomy,
• severe valgus or varus deformity (> 20°), severe flexion contracture (> 30°)
• previous unicondylar knee replacement
• a history of septic arthritis or osteomyelitis.