Outcomes of patellar resurfacing versus nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a 9-year experience based on a case series of scorpio PS knees.

Abstract

Patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an actively debated issue. This prospective study addresses fundamental questions regarding whether to resurface the patella. To do this, we compared clinical results of Scorpio PS knees with and without patellar resurfacing to determine whether there was any statistically significant difference in survivorship, function, pain, and radiographic analyses. Our study failed to demonstrate any statistical difference between the 2 groups (resurfaced versus nonresurfaced) according to knee pain, walking abilities, stair climbing, range of motion, and radiologic findings, as well as cross-correlations between patellar pain and age, gender, obesity, or etiology. Our radiologic findings did not reveal any failures of bony structures facing the metallic flange. Some knee designs can thus be seen as "patella friendly." Given the significant cost of patella resurfacing and the resulting well-known complications, we continue to avoid systematic resurfacing of the patella during Scorpio TKA.