The effect of intercondylar notchplasty on the patellofemoral articulation.

Using pressure-sensitive film, we measured the patellofemoral contact areas and pressures after increasing degrees of notchplasty in eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens. Each specimen was stabilized on an axial loading frame with physiologic loads applied through the quadriceps tendon at varying flexion angles. The patellofemoral joint was loaded at 90 degrees, 105 degrees and 120 degrees of knee flexion. The same measurements were then obtained after serial notchplasties of 3, 6, and 9 mm. The film was analyzed for contact areas and for contact pressures by densitometry. There was no statistical significance between contact area or pressure after notchplasties of 3, 6, or 9 mm at 90 degrees, 105 degrees, and 120 degrees of knee flexion. These data suggest that routine notchplasty does not affect the patellofemoral articulation.