Abstract
Introduction: Whether or not to resurface the patella in total knee replacement (TKR) is controversial. One concern is the possibility of progression of the arthritis in the patellofemoral joint that has not been resurfaced when exposed to the stress of articulating with the femoral component.
Methods: The cohort comprised six knees for Trac TKA (Biomet). The assessment involved the use of an electronic sensor system(Iscan, Tekscan). The readings were taken on an anaesthetised patient, during surgery. A tourniquet was not used. A subvastus operative approach was used.
Results: The contact area and contact stress increased with flexion with and without the femoral component in place. We measured no increase in patellar stress when the patella that had not been resurfaced articulated with the femoral component.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor A. J. Thurston. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Surgery, Wellington School of Medicine, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, New Zealand
