Prosthetic resurfacing of the patella.

Accumulated data from many sources seem to indicate that prosthetic resurfacing of the patella may be an acceptable alternative to patellectomy in the treatment of chondromalacia patellae or patellofemoral arthrosis. A patellar prosthesis which is made of cobalt-chromium alloy is attached to a remnant of the original patella by means of the acrylic cement, polymethyl methacrylate. An analysis fo the results of the use of this prosthesis in 14 knees of 13 patients reveals excellent or good results in 13 cases and one poor result. The longest follow-up period was 2 years and 9 months and the shortest was 6 weeks. Based on current experience and the experience of others, prosthetic resurfacing of the patella may give the patient some years of pain-free patellofemoral function. This is especially true in patients with poor quadriceps reserve in whom the lever-arm distance of the extensor torque should be maiwtained. Until the ideal resurfacing material is developed, the use of presently available patellar prostheses with or without femoral prosthetic components, is recommended for further investigation.