ABSTRACT
The absence or dysfunction of the knee extensor mechanism accelerates degenerative joint disease and complicates knee arthroplasty. Various treatment strategies have been suggested to improve outcomes in total knee arthroplasties after patellectomy (semi- or constrained components, autograft, allograft, prosthetic reconstruction), but the optimal management of this condition is not known. The purpose of this report is to review the relevant basic biology and biomechanics of the patella and the extensor mechanism, and to review the current literature on the management of complete patellectomy during total knee arthroplasty. Tissue engineered heart valves, BMMSCs, oscillatory shear stress, nicotine, F-actin filaments, cell differentiation, endothelial cells.
