Patellectomy: an overview with reconstructive procedures.

Patellectomy is a relatively old procedure and its effect on knee function has been a matter of controversy. Although indications for a patellectomy have been narrowed, patellectomy still is indicated as the last choice of treatment in certain situations including comminuted fractures, advanced chondromalacia or osteoarthritis, dislocations, infections, and tumoral conditions. Excision of the patella results in a decrease in the moment arm of the extensor mechanism, alteration of the forces acting on the tibiofemoral joint and instant center of motion, limitation of range of motion, anterior instability, loss of protection of the trochlea from injury, and poor cosmesis. A good technique of patellectomy should overcome all or at least some of these problems. Although comparison of various techniques of patellectomy is impossible because of the lack of prospective randomized trials, reinforcement techniques seem more logical than simple repair procedures.