Radiologic Patellar Change and Clinical Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty without Patella Resurfacing

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results in patients with total knee arthroplasty without patellar resur- facing. Subject and Method: In this study, 64 cases of total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing were performed nonselectively by a single surgeon from January 2000 to January 2004, and followed up for more than 2 years(range, 24~72 months). The clinical results according to Hospital for Special Surgery knee score and Feller's patellar score, and radiological evaluations about patellar subluxation were analyzed for the correlation of the two results. RESULT: HSS score improved from 54 to 83 points, and Feller's patellar score improved from 18 to 27 after surgery. In preoperative radiologic evaluation, 61 cases(95.3%) were assessed as 'open laterally', the average patellofemoral index was 1.4(0.6~2.5) and the lateral patellar displacement was 1.2mm. In the latest follow-up, 56 cases(87.5%) were assessed as 'open laterally', the average patellofemoral index was 1.5(0.5~3) and the lateral patellar displacement was 1.5(0~8)mm. In comparison between the clinical and radiologic results, no statistic significance was noted in their correlation(p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing was performed nonselectively, satisfactory clinical outcome was observed despite radiologic changes such as patellar subluxation and displacement. It was considered that there was no significance in correlation between radiological changes and clinical results.