PATELLAR FRACTURES IN POSTERIOR STABILIZED KNEE ARTHROPLASTIES

In the present study, a significantly higher rate of lateral release w as demonstrated in the patients with patellar fractures despite the re lative high overall lateral release rate (82%). Although the complicat ion of patellar fractures in total knee arthroplasty has a multifactor ial etiology, these findings implicate lateral retinacular release as a significant factor. It is unclear whether the lateral retinacular re lease was a direct result of the surgical technique or whether it was necessitated by the anatomy of the patellofemoral articulation in this component system. Lateral release may continue to be performed as nee ded during total knee arthroplasty to maintain optimal patellofemoral mechanics. However, if it is performed, an attempt should be made to p reserve the lateral superior genicular artery.