Comprehensive anthropometric information is essential to avoid patella-related complications after TKA. We compared the anthropometric patellar dimensions of Korean and Western patients. In particular, we determined whether the reestablishment of original patellar thickness, residual bony thickness, and pre- to postoperative deviations between the median ridge position and the component center position influence the clinical and radiographic outcomes of TKAs. We measured anthropometric patellar dimensions in 752 osteoarthritic knees treated with TKA in 466 Korean patients and compared them with those of Western patients reported in the literature. We investigated the effects of postoperative overall thickness deviations, residual bony thickness after bone resection, and postoperative deviations of component center positions from median ridge positions versus clinical and radiographic outcomes evaluated 1 year after surgery. Korean patients undergoing TKA had thinner and smaller patellae than Western patients. We found no associations between pre- to postoperative overall thickness differences and clinical and radiographic outcomes and no differences between knees with a residual bony thickness of 12 mm or more and knees with a residual thickness of less than 12 mm, with the exception of WOMAC pain scores. We found no associations between postoperative deviations of component center position and clinical or radiographic outcomes. Our findings indicate bone resection for patellar resurfacing can be flexible without jeopardizing clinical outcome.

To evaluate the effectiveness of core decompression using the tantalum trabecular metal system for treatment of an early stage osteonecrosis of femoral head in minimum 1 year to maximum 5 years follow-up.

From January 2003 to August 2007, 36 patients in 46 cases underwent core decompression using the tantalum trabecular metal system. The ARCO classification system was used. Retrospective analysis was done. The conversion to total hip arthroplasty due to aggravating hip pain was defined as a clinical failure.

With the higher stage of ARCO classification and more lateral location of lesion, the conversions to total hip arthroplasty would be increased. The better outcome was noted with lower stage of ARCO classification and more medial location of the lesion.

The higher stage of ARCO classification and more lateral position of lesion, the failure rate of the tantalum trabecular metal system increases. The most important thing is to detect early stage of osteonecrosis of femoral head. The tantalum trabecular metal system is considered as a useful treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head with lower stage of ARCO classification and medial location of lesion.