PATELLOPLASTY AND PATELLAR DENERVATION IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Background:- Anterior knee pain is still a major problem in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although the most widely accepted opinion is that anterior knee pain is often associated with a patellofemoral etiology, there is no clear consensus as to etiology or treatment. Disabling pain receptors by electrocautery can achieve denervation of the anterior knee region. The present prospective randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate results after patelloplasty and patellar denervation with electrocautery in TKA at a minimum follow-up of one year. Patients and methods: Clinical and radiological results for 27 patients who successfully completed the study (30 knees) 10 males(37%) and 17 females(63%) with 14 patients(52%) had the right knee replaced, 10 patients(37%) had the left one, while 3patients(11%) had bilateral total knee replacement . Removal of all osteophytes and patellar denervation by electrocautery were performed in all cases. KSS,KFS and patellar score were used to assess pre- and postoperative anterior knee pain. Results: All patients were systematically followed up for an average of 15 months ranging between 12 and 18 months. No revisions or re-operations were performed. On all parameters, there was significant improving concerning the total knee score,patellar score and anterior knee pain. Conclusion : Patellar denervation with electrocautery can reduce anterior knee pain, with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome, in TKA.