Patella in Total Knee Arthroplasty

The patella is a reliable guide to the success or failure of a total knee replacement. Patients who do not experience peripatellar symptoms or a patellar complication usually have a successful result. Conversely, peripatellar symptoms or complications usually reflect an underlying problem with surgical technique, component designs, or both. Current designs still do not replicate normal kinematics, and current instrumentation and techniques significantly alter the anatomy of the patellofemoral articulation in a substantial percentage of patients. Reproducing extensor mechanism balance and using components that provide adequate congruency and contact area through a physiologic arc of motion should lead to a successful result with minimal patellar symptoms or complications whether or not the patella is resurfaced. Attempting to achieve normal patellofemoral kinematics and minimize patellar complications has led to a better understanding of total knee arthroplasty.