Extensor Mechanism Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

The patellofemoral joint is an important source of pain and complications following total knee arthroplasty. In a recent series of revisions of total knee arthroplasties, almost 12% of the reoperations were done because of a problem related to the extensor mechanism1. The prevalence of complications related to the extensor mechanism has generally decreased over the past twenty years but remains around 4%2-7. Anterior knee pain, patellar instability, fracture, rupture of the extensor mechanism, and a variety of miscellaneous problems affecting the patella can adversely affect the results of a total knee arthroplasty.