Removing the Kneecap After a Knee Replacement

Fracture of the kneecap (patella) after a total knee replacement (TKR) is rare. This report of eight such cases offers some insight into the results following removal of the fractured kneecap. The operation is called a patellectomy.

Pain, range of motion, and function were the measures used to assess results. Half the patients didn't have any pain after the patellectomy. Three had mild pain and one had severe pain. Range of motion and function were not improved. Two of the patients needed more surgery later due to related problems.

The authors hope this information can be used as a baseline since there's so little known about the results of patellectomy after TKR. It may help others compare their results for this problem in the future.