Opponents of patellar resurfacing during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) note unique complications associated with resurfacing. Problems include over-stuffing (the creation of a composite patellar-prosthesis thickness greater than the native patella) that may contribute to reduced range of motion; and creation of a patellar remnant that is too thin (in order to avoid over-stuffing) that may contribute to post-operative fracture. Factors including surgical technique, prosthesis design and patient anatomy may contribute to these problems. This study was performed to define the native patellar anatomy, and to compare the effect of differences in component thickness between manufacturers. This retrospective, IRB approved study reviewed 803 knees that underwent primary TKA between 2005 and 2011 with a single surgeon. Patellar resurfacing was performed with a round, polyethylene component from one of two different implant designs using the same surgical technique. Data recorded for each patient included: gender; patellar thickness before and after resurfacing; the dimensions and manufacturer of the prosthesis. The residual patellar bone thickness after resection was calculated.Introduction
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