Can you give more information about how your patellectomy affected you? I had one about 15 years ago and have regretted it since the muscles in my leg (quads) gave out about 2000 (7 years AFTER the patellectomy). I would like to wring the neck of all doctors who do this operation as it is the answer to nothing. Doesn't stop pain, creates extreme disability, and generally should be outlawed! Please elaborate on your situation. I am now facing pain in the joint and am scared to have anything else done by anyone. As far as I am concerned, we have not come very far In this country in the treatment of orthopedic medicine. AS for reinserting a patella, I know that if your muscles are shot you may as well forget it. I have looked into this and have been told by many doctors it would be a waste of time. I have suffered life long knee problems and both legs are really not great. I am of a normal weight and was never overweight, and have done literally everything and more for my knees. I feel cursed with absolutely awful knees and legs.

Thanks for posting further information about your predicament. I have discovered from two sources, that a cadaver patella would be of no value for my situation (Like you, I looked into that as well), since my quadriceps seem to be extremely atrophied. Also checked into an artificial patella but was told the same thing, i.e., the quads are too far gone. Was also told that even with joint replacement, my quads are so far gone that all the procedure would do is alleviate the pain in my knee joint; I would never walk any better than I now do, and I am afraid it might be worse! I am seeing yet another orthopedic doctor's opinion (not very fond of them since they seem to write you off after they virtually ruin your legs with regard to patellectomy); he is supposed to be one of the best. If you would like to discuss this subject further (I would like to since you seem to be in a very similar predicament and I find few other people who are), could I impose upon you to contact me at: christine.mccurdy@comcast.net (Subject Line: Patellectomy Blues). I am finding it difficult to log on here every time (have had to change my password twice now). Again, why this operation is even done is beyond me, and I could wring the neck of the doctor who did it to me! He even tried to make me believe that I was some sort of oddity (with regard to the muscle atrophy), and of course, I have read many message boards that speak of muscle atrophy in the extreme after patellectomy. Again, I am: christine.mccurdy@comcast.net Thanks!