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.