TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AFTER PATELLECTOMY

We compared the outcome of total knee arthroplasty in 19 patients who had had previous patellectomy with the results in a matched series of arthroplasties performed on knees in which the patella was intact. The mean follow-up was 63 months (21 to 114). In the study group, the out come was poor in five patients. There was instability in the coronal p lane in three patients and persistent pain in four. Three supracondyla r fractures occurred. The overall complication rate was 36%. In the co ntrol group, pain was relieved in every case and there were no complic ations. Total knee arthroplasty has a higher complication rate and inf erior results if the knee has undergone prior patellectomy.