Treatment of the patella at reimplantation for septic total knee arthroplasty.

The results of treatment of the patella at the time of aseptic revision of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been better with resurfacing of the patella than other modes of treatment such as leaving a bony shell. Treatment of the patella at the time of reimplantation of a TKA has not been addressed in prior studies. The ability to resurface the patella will be determined by the amount of bone remaining, integrity of the patella, vascularity, the location of the joint line, and soft tissue coverage for wound closure. The current review addresses the technique of patellar resurfacing and patellar bone defect treatment at the time of reimplantation of a TKA.