Patellar component resection arthroplasty for the severely compromised patella

When severe bone loss precludes reimplantation of a new patellar component during revision knee arthroplasty, the treatment options include patellar bone grafting, patellar component resection arthroplasty, and patellectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patellar component resection arthroplasty for the severely compromised patella for which insertion of another patellar component was not possible. Thirty-five knees (31 patients) were treated with patellar component resection arthroplasty for aseptic patellar component failure associated with severely compromised patellar bone stock. Followup averaged 7.9 years (range, 2-18 years). There was a significant improvement in Knee Society pain and function scores. Pain relief was more dramatic than functional improvement. The range of motion also improved significantly and in particular preoperative extensor lag was resolved in the majority of patients. Patients treated with isolated patellar resection arthroplasty were more likely to have continuing pain and require reoperation compared with patients who had concomitant revision of the tibial and femoral components. Correct positioning and the stability of tibial and femoral components should be tested carefully at the time of patellar resection arthroplasty and considered for revision if malpositioned either axially or rotationally.