Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of patellar resurfacing in total knee replacement surgery. We reviewed 48 patients who had undergone bilateral knee replacement with patellar resurfacing on only one side. Follow-up was from 18 months to 9.5 years and the patients were assessed using the Knee Society rating, a clinical anterior knee pain score and BOA patient satisfaction score. Patients were also asked specifically if they had a preference for either knee. Assessment was performed without knowing which patella had been resurfaced.
52.1% of patients favoured the resurfaced knee, 8% the unresurfaced knee and 39.9% had no particular preference. The overall prevalence of anterior knee pain was 8.3% in the resurfaced cases (3 mild, 1 moderate) and 27.1% in the unresurfaced knees (8 mild, 3 moderate, 2 severe). No significant difference was found between knee scores.
This study shows a significantly higher rate of anterior knee pain in unresurfaced patellae and preference for the resurfaced side.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr R. B. Smith. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN.
