Accelerated patellofemoral joint erosion: A complication of isolated resurfacing of an arthritic patella with a polyethylene component

Abstract

Patellofemoral arthrosis is commonly encountered in clinical practice. This morbid condition can critically affect the patient's quality of life. Many treatments have been reported to address this problem, including operative and nonoperative modalities. Patellofemoral arthroplasty had been reported to have an excellent outcome in some reports, although the treatment is still controversial. We report a case of a complication that arose after isolated resurfacing of an arthritic patella with a polyethylene component. Serious femoral cartilage wear with severe synovitis was noted in the early postoperative period. Clinicians are therefore cautioned to avoid isolated patellar resurfacing for treating patellofemoral arthritis.