PATELLA RESURFACING IN REVISION TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Patella resurfacing in revision total knee arthroplasty is a controversial issue. While performing revision TKA we must consider some different situations: previously resurfaced patella or not, in case of resurfaced patella, if it is fix or loosened, in case of loosened patella is there a bone loss or not. If patella wasn’t previously resurfaced, we can preserve natural patella performing at least a regularization of its osteophytes, or we can realize a primary resurfacing. If patella was previously resurfaced and still well fixed, we preserve domed component if not grossly damaged. Its revision is performed if it is damaged or not congruent. If patella was previously resurfaced and loosened the two possibilities are the revision or the retention of the bony patella. In case of previously resurfaced and loosened patella, with severe bone loss, we can preserve the bony shell, or we can realize revision with the use of cortical grafting or we can performa patelloplasty, or complete patellectomy. Finally, in these cases it’s possible the revision with tantalum patella. Outcomes of patella resurfacing in revision total knee arthroplasty are usually fair: low functional and pain scores, quadricipite leverage loss, worse patellar tracking, anterior pain, patellar fractures, knee stiffness.