Surgical complications of the patellofemoral articulation

The complications associated with surgery on the extensor mechanism of the knee were reviewed. These complications may be avoided by being mindful of the importance of patient selection, establishing specific diagnoses, and then carrying out proper surgical procedures. Also reviewed were the complications associated with the extensor mechanism in total knee arthroplasty. Patellofemoral complications are the most common complications of total knee arthroplasty. The importance of precise surgical technique in aligning the extensor mechanism was emphasized. Caution is probably advisable in the use of metal-backed patellar components for the time being. Lastly, the relatively rare, but important, complications of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, infrapatellar contracture syndrome, and patella infra were reviewed.