Technical considerations in total knee surgery. Management of patella problems.

Patellofemoral symptoms are now the most common cause of aseptic knee revision; however, the majority of patello-femoral problems are self-limited and may be managed symptomatically and nonoperatively. A trial of anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, and appropriate bracing is always indicated. Patellofemoral symptoms are usually related to mechanical malalignment of all three components of the total knee arthroplasty. Attention to the fundamental principles of total knee arthroplasty, including restoration of the bony mechanical alignment, soft tissue stability, and maintenance of the anatomic joint line, prevents many of the problems. Meticulous preoperative planning and anatomic placement of the component parts are important for a satisfactory long-term outcome. Present research is directed to providing kinematic analysis of the patellofemoral tracking mechanism and to minimizing patellofemoral contact stresses with appropriate new designs.