Patellar management in revision total knee arthroplasty: is patellar resurfacing a better option?

The management of the patella during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) depends on the indication for revision, the type and stability of the patellar component in place, and availability of bone stock. We prospectively compared the clinical outcome and satisfaction rates in revision TKA patients managed with patellar resurfacing (n = 13, group I) to retention of the patellar component (n = 22, group II) or patelloplasty (n = 11, group III) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. There were no differences in the improvement of Knee Society Scores, Short-Form 36 Scores, and satisfaction rates between the groups. There were no revision surgeries for patellar component failure or patellar fractures. Satisfactory results can be achieved using a variety of methods of patellar management in revision TKA by individualizing the treatment modality depending on the clinical scenario.