Resurfacing of the patella.

The results of use of twenty-nine patellar resurfacing prostheses in twenty-eight patients were studied. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in twenty-two knees, chondromalacia in five knees, and habitual dislocation with severe osteoarthritis in two. The follow-up time was from three to six years. A cemented chromium-cobalt prosthesis was used. Of the twenty-nine knees studied, two were rated excellent; fourteen, good; three, fair; and ten, poor. Failure was always due to unrelieved pain.