Complications and treatment of bilateral patellectomy for chondromalacia in an adolescent girl: a case report.

A 16-year-old girl underwent left and right patellectomies in December 1973 and January 1974 for disabling chondromalacia. Surgery had been performed in 1971 for a chronic left patellar subluxation and in 1973 for a discoid lateral meniscus. There were five postpatellectomy complications, four of which were identical soft tissue cutaneous inflammatory femoral condylar foci which required excision of underlying condylar cartilage and bone; the fifth was a focus of subcutaneous, hemorrhagic fibroadipose tissue with neuroma-like pain in the right knee which responded well to excision. Three years later, there was no limp; stairs were manipulated normally, but there was pain during inclement weather. There was a 5 degree extension lag of the right knee and both knees flexed fully. Multiple scars on both knees have not adversely affected the patient. After four operations and two manipulations of the left knee and five operations and three manipulations of the right knee, the two-year follow-up period has shown that results in both knees are unexpectedly good. The article discusses postpatellectomy complications.