The Effect of Partial Lateral Facetectomy of the Patella on the Radiographic and Clinical Outcome of Unresurfaced Patellar-retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Management of patellar maltracking during primary TKA is of considerable importance. Lateral release, which is generally performed for this purpose, is associated with several complications. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of partial lateral facetectomy in tracking the patella in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: In a retrospective study, the effi of partial lateral facetectomy of the patella in achieving proper tracking of the patella was evaluated in 116 patients who underwent unresurfaced patellar-retaining TKA. The radiographic outcome measures included the patellar tilt and patellar shift. The functional outcome was assessed with Kujala anterior knee pain scale. Results: The Mean±SD age of the patients was 66.3±7.6 years. The mean follow-up of patients was 20.6±8.9 months. The Mean±SD patellar tilt was 10.5±7.2° before the surgery and 4.4±5° after the operation (P 0.001). The Mean±SD preoperative patellar shift was 3.3±4.3 mm which improved to -0.2±2.8° after the surgery (P 0.001). The Mean±SD Kujala score of the patients was 74.6±7.1, ranging from 54 to 89. No complication was recorded during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Partial lateral facetectomy of the patella provides an acceptable radiographic and functional outcome in patients undergoing primary TKA. Therefore, it could be regarded as a valuable alternative to lateral release in unresurfaced patellar-retaining TKA.