Reemplazar o no la patela. ¿Cuándo y por qué?

Abstract

Whether to change the patella, or not, has been a matter of controversy for many years. Complications associated with the extensor apparatus and anterior knee pain represent a recurring problem in knee replacement surgery.

In total knee prosthesis (TKP) we find three main possibilities: always change the patella, never change it, or make a selective replacement depending on the patient characteristics. If replacement is not performed, associated procedures such as patelloplasty or patella denervation have been described. And the authors who postulate selective replacement have evidenced various factors that would help to make the decision, such as: body mass index, osteoarthritis degree, age, or patellar anatomy, among others.

There is a vast number of scientific publications on patellar turnover. In this review of the literature, we will discuss what the evidence says regarding the options described (selective replacement, always or never) and it will conclude with the opinion of the authors on what is most appropriate according to the evidence.