title: 6- to 10-year experience using countersunk metal-backed patellas.
abstract: Three hundred two consecutive cementless total knee arthroplasties (Natural Knee, Intermedics Orthopedics, Inc., Austin, TX) were performed using a metal-backed, porous-coated patellar component. Fifty-nine patients died and 31 were lost to follow-up evaluation, resulting in 212 knees available for evaluation at 6 to 10 years. The mean follow-up period was 91 months. The mean modified Hospital for Special Surgery total knee score improved from 58 before surgery to 98 at the most recent follow-up visit. Mean patellar translation and tilt were 2.75 mm and 3.5 degrees, respectively. There were no patellar lucencies nor loosening. Eleven patients (5%) underwent revision of the patellar component. Overall patellar survivorship was 96%. Comparatively good results can be achieved with the use of a metal-backed patellar component if component design, surgical technique, and patellar alignment are properly addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Evanich
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Tkach
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: von Glinski
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Camargo
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hofmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010329:Patella; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies