Abstract
The results of a randomized controlled clinical trial of ninety patients comparing resurfacing to non-resurfacing of the patella in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are reported with a minimum of ten-years of follow-up. Using a cruciate retaining hybrid TKA, the outcome measures included Knee Society Clinical Rating scores, functional testing (stair climb and flexion extension torques), patient satisfaction, anterior knee pain, and a patellofemoral specific questionnaire. The results indicated no difference between the groups in all categories. Results at two and ten years postoperatively are compared. This study represents the longest follow-up to date comparing resurfacing to nonresurfacing of the patella.
Patellar resurfacing in TKA remains controversial. Purpose: To evaluate the results of resurfacing/non-resurfacing of the patella in a randomized controlled clinical trial at a minimum of ten-years of follow-up.
One hundred knees (ninety patients) with osteoarthritis were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded trial using the same posterior cruciate retaining total knee replacement. Patients were randomized to resurfacing or nonresurfacing of the patella. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and yearly to a minimum ten years (range, 10.1–11.5 years) postoperatively. Disease specific (Knee Society Clinical Rating System), functional (stair climbing, knee flexion/extension torques, patellar examination) outcomes were measured. Patient satisfaction, anterior knee pain, and patellofemoral questionnaires were completed. Intraoperative grading of the articular cartilage was performed.
No patients were lost to follow-up; forty-six knees remained alive. Nine revisions (9/90-ten percent) were performed – 7/48 (fifteen percent) in the nonresurfaced and 2/42 (five percent) in the resurfaced group. Three knees in the nonresurfaced group were revised to a resurfaced patella for anterior knee pain. One resurfaced patella was complicated by AVN and fracture, requiring revision. No significant difference was found between the groups regarding revision rates, KSCR score, functional, satisfaction, anterior knee pain, patellofemoral, and radiographic outcomes. Intraoperative cartilage quality was not a predictor of outcome.
This study represents the longest follow up to date of a randomized controlled clinical trial to examine patellar resurfacing in TKA. The results showed no significant difference between the groups for all outcome measures at a minimum of ten-years.
Correspondence should be addressed to Cynthia Vezina, Communications Manager, COA, 4150-360 Ste. Catherine St. West, Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5, Canada
