Better results with patelloplasty compared to traditional total knee arthroplasty

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the results of primary total knee arthroplasty with or without patelloplasty. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 89 patients who had received total knee arthroplasty. In patelloplasty, the patellar cartilage was resected using a tangential saw cut, and in the traditional treatment, only the surrounding osteophytes were removed. The outcome was measured using radiographs, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Knee Score, Knee Society Score, Knee Society Function Score and Knee Society Pain Score. Results Patelloplasty patients had a better outcome according to the Oxford Knee Score (P = 0.012), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (P = 0.003) and all of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales (P < 0.05). The patella was significantly thinner (P = 0.001) post-operatively in the patelloplasty patients, but there was no statistically significant correlation between Oxford Knee Score or Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and post-operative patellar thickness in the patelloplasty group. Conclusions In this follow-up, patelloplasty was better than traditional treatment in relieving pain and improving function and quality of life.