Patella Fractures Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty: Worse Outcomes but Equivalent Survivorship

J Arthroplasty. 2015 Dec;30(12):2167-9. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2015.06.001. Epub 2015 Jun 11.

Abstract

Distal femur and/or tibial plateau fractures adversely affect outcomes of TKA; however it is unknown if a previous patella fracture affects outcome. We reviewed 113 patients undergoing TKA with a previous patella fracture from 1990 to 2012. Component survival was compared to 19,641 patients undergoing TKA for osteoarthritis during the same period. The 15-year implant survivals following a previous patella fracture was 86%. There was no difference in implant survival compared to patients undergoing TKA for OA (P=0.31). Knee society scores significantly improved following TKA; however patients with a fracture had complications related to knee flexion. Patients undergoing primary TKA following a patella fracture have similar overall revision free survival compared to those undergoing TKA for OA at 15-years.

Keywords: outcomes; patella fracture; postoperative complications; posttraumatic; total knee arthroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Femur / surgery
  • Fractures, Bone*
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis / surgery
  • Patella / injuries*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibia / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult