Patellar Nonresurfacing Versus Patellar Resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical, radiologic results and complications between the patellar non-resur-faced and resurfaced cases in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1998 to May 2003, the subjects were 37 patellar non-resurfaced and 45 patellar resurfaced cases followed up more than a year among the patients who had total knee arthroplasty in degenerative arthritis. The results were evaluated by the range of motion, Hospital for Spe-cial Surgery (HSS) knee rating score, and Laurin's and Merchant's congruence angle. Student t-test was used in statistical analysis in comparison of both groups. RESULTS: In non-resurfaced group, the range of motion was incrased from 90.6 degree preoperatively to 108.6 degree postoperatively and HSS score from 62.6 to 84.1 respectively, while in resurfaced group, range of motion was increased from 88.2 degree preoperatively to 110.4 degree postoperatively and HSS score from 59.3 to 85.3. There were no significant differences between two groups (p>0.05). There were some patella-asso-ciated complications in each group, and revision due to patella-associated complications were 1 case (3%) and 2 cases (4%) each. So, patella-associated complications and revision rates revealed no significant dif-ferences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the clinical results and complications between patella resurfacing and selective non-resurfacing with relatively good cartilage, More follow up is needed for the necessity of revision due to patella-associated complications.

Differences of Meniscal Injuries by Age Groups

PURPOSE: We analyzed and classified the patterns of meniscal injuries by age groups and tried to find the statistical meanings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 217 cases with meniscal injuries of 340 patients who received knee arthroscopy from January 1996 to June 2000. We analyzed the statistical significances of them by age groups and classified injury patterns of site, shape and combined injuries. RESULTS: Medial meniscal injuries, especially in posterior horn, were more common, and degenerative tears have higher incidence in elderly groups. In younger groups, longitudinal and flap tears were more common. More prevalent associated injuries were ACL tears in younger groups and loose bodies in elderly groups. CONCLUSION: In knee arthroscopy, to find out the patterns of meniscal injuries by age groups is important to determine the method of treatment and prognosis.