Comparison of clinical outcomes between patellar resurfacing and patellar non-resurfacing in cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background It is not established whether patellar resurfacing is better than patellar non-resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was to compare the clinical outcomes between groups with patellar resurfacing and non-resurfacing during cruciate retaining (CR) TKA. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, subjects undergoing primary CR TKA for osteoarthritis between 2012 and 2019 were included. Of 500 subjects, 250 had patellar resurfacing (group 1) and 250 had patellar non-resurfacing (group 2) CR TKA. Knee society knee score (KSKS), knee society function score (KSFS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scale, Kujala score, anterior knee pain, patellar compression test and range of motion (ROM) of the replaced knee were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in KSKS, KSFS, WOMAC scale, Kujala score, prevalence of anterior knee pain and ROM of the replaced knee between the two groups at the last follow-up ( p > .05). Group 2 had more subjects with positive patellar compression test than group 1 at the last follow-up ( p = .010). Conclusions Clinical and functional outcomes of the replaced knee were not different between patellar resurfacing and non-resurfacing groups. Anterior knee pain was significantly reduced after total knee arthroplasty regardless of patellar resurfacing. Level of evidence Retrospective cohort study, Level III.