Abstract
The purpose of this prospective and randomized study was to objectively evaluate isokinetic strength, clinical, and radiographical outcome in bilateral TKA using the same prosthesis with and without patella resurfacing.
Bilateral TKA, one with, one without patella resurfacing was performed in 22 osteoarthritic patients, mean age was 68 years using the Low-Contact-Stress prosthesis. Minimum Follow-up was one year. Evaluation included clinical investigation, specific patella scores, radiographic analysis and isokinetic strength measurement of both knee flexion and extension at 60 degrees per second (Biodex). surement at 60 degrees per second (Biodex).
There was no significant clinical score difference, but mean isokinetic strength of knee extension was significantly (p< .0001) stronger in the non-resurfaced patella TKA (40.5 Nm) compared with the resurfaced TKA (38,5 Nm). Flexion was also significantly stronger in the patella non-resurfaced group with 22.4 Nm versus 19.5 Nm in the resurfaced group. Mean lateral deviation was significantly (p< .001) less ideal in the resurfaced group as was postoperative patellofemoral congruent contact (p< .001). However, there was no correlation between lateral patella deviation or congruent contact and iso-kinetic strength.
The results of this study indicate that mean isokinetic strength of both knee flexion and extension was significantly stronger in the non-resurfaced patella TKA. This study provides encouraging data for patella non-resurfacing. However, clinical scores or patient’s preference did not show any difference.
Correspondence should be addressed to Richard Komistek, PhD, International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty, PO Box 6564, Auburn, CA 95604, USA. E-mail: ista@pacbell.net
