Changes in patellar alignment after total knee arthroplasty

Although the results of total knee arthroplasty continue to improve, problems related to the patellofemoral joint remain significant. This study examined the factors affecting patellar alignment after total knee arthroplasty and subsequent changes in 56 knees during a postoperative period of 5.3 years. None of the knees examined displayed any clinical complications of the patellofemoral joint; no revision surgeries were necessary, with acceptable patellar alignment on average. The patellar resection angle had a strong influence on patellar alignment. Thinning of the patellar remnant on the medial side can increase postoperative lateral tilt, which leads to a need for lateral retinacular release. Although the changes in patellar alignment were minimal, the tendency that postoperative varus alignment resulted in patellar lateral tilt was observed. As postoperative femorotibial misalignment can lead to patellofemoral problems after total knee arthroplasty, surgeons need to pay scrupulous attention to femorotibial alignment and proper patellar preparation to decrease patellofemoral complications.