抄録
The results of resurfacing or not resurfacing the articular cartilage of the patella were reviewed in 127 knees (81 cases) - 61 cases with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 cases with osteoarthritis and 2 cases with osteonecrosis. These were all replaced with Kodama-Yamamoto MarkIII prosthesis. The duration of follow-up was between 6 months and 2 years 3 months (average, l year 5 months) .
The operated-on knees were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 32 knees in which the patella was resurfaced; group B was 95 knees in which the patella was not resurfaced. A compatative study was done using the knee assessment chart designed by three universities, by measuring the patella position using the methods of Insall-Salvati preoperatively and postoperatively, by the presence or absence of patello-femoral pain (P-F pain), and by the change of P-F joint observed by X-ray.
There was no difference in ROM, clinical assessment and the patella position between group A and B. But the incidence of P-F pain was 4.2% in group A and 14.3% in group B. The incidence of erosion of the patella seen on X-ray was 8.4% in group B. No loosening of the patellar prosthesis was seen in group A. It is recommended, therefore, that the patella be resurfaced in the course of a total knee arthroplasty.
