THE OUTCOME OF 3 METHODS OF PATELLAR RESURFACING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Two hundred and three patients with 219 Miller Galante type I knee art hroplasties have been reviewed in a multicentre study at an average of 3.5 years after operation. Three groups are compared: 83 patients wer e treated with a full polyethylene patellar component; 68 with a metal backed component, and 68 with patellar debridement without resurfacin g. We found no differences between the 3 groups in relation to pain, r ange of movement, stability, flexion or extension deficit, extension l ag, alignment, walking distance, ability to climb stairs or the use of walking aids. There was also no difference in the incidence of patell ofemoral complications. The number of revision operations was the same in patellar-resurfaced and non-resurfaced knees. Lateral release was accompanied by more complications in every subgroup.