Patellar resurfacing

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Patellar resurfacing is a surgical procedure to replace the joint surface of the patella.

patella with patellar button implantThe undersurface of the patella is removed and a polyethylene button cemented in to replace it.

Is patellar resurfacing a good procedure?

The procedure is performed when joint cartilage destruction affects the underside of the patella, causing pain. It may be done as part of a patellofemoral resurfacing procedure, where a trochlear implant is also used for the groove of the femur, but the main tibio-femoral joint surfaces of the knee are left intact. The jury seems to be out when it comes to evaluating whether or not patellar resurfacing is always a good procedure.

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