PATELLECTOMY - LONG-TERM RESULTS

The authors are in disagreement with the literature on the results of patellectomy after comminuted fracture of the patella. They assessed r etrospectively 17 patients who underwent unilateral total patellectomy between 1955 and 1980. Subjective and objective (clinical examination , radiologic examination and Cibex II studies) assessment was carried out for each patient using the contralateral healthy knee as a control . The results demonstrated 88% patient satisfaction, no ligamentous in stability and no early arthrosis but a decrease in extensor muscle str ength to 75% of normal. The authors conclude that total patellectomy i s better tolerated and causes less morbidity than suggested in the lit erature.