The consequences of not resurfacing the patella.

The decision of whether to resurface the patella during total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. In this study, a meta-analysis of national joint replacement registry data, bilateral total knee replacement studies, selective resurfacing reports, and randomized clinical trials was done Although the evidence seems to support patellar resurfacing, this issue remains inconclusive because of problems generalizing from one implant to another and the short-term nature of available studies. Based on existing data, patellar resurfacing seems reasonable in most total knee replacements. Not resurfacing the patella might be considered in selected younger patients (<60 years) with mild or no patellar arthritis, a well-tracking extensor mechanism, and particularly if a patella-friendly femoral component is used.