Patellaplasty or patellectomy?

A series of patients whose patella has been resurfaced by a prosthesis has been compared with a similar group whose patella has been resected. Patellectomy has been an acceptable procedure in the treatment of severe injuries and degenerative changes of the patella, but the indications for this operation are not well defined in all fields. Satisfactory results following Vitallium patellaplasty have been better than those following patellectomy in osteoarthrosis. Extension is more complete; flexion has been satisfactory; cosmetic appearance is more desirable. Prosthetic resurfacing with a Vitallium prosthesis has been a satisfactory procedure in individuals who develop symptoms from a painful patellofemoral joint when the remainder of the joint has not deteriorated sufficiently to indicate need for total knee replacement. Patellaplasty has provided years of pain-free patellofemoral function and prevented the alteration of normal joint mechanics that occurs with patellectomy.