Native Patella Retention Versus Resurfacing in a Cohort of Staged Bilateral Total Knee Patients

Background : Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty remains a point of controversy within the literature and the generally followed paradigm varies among regions. Methods : In effort to elucidate a difference following the change from universal patellar resurfacing to universal non-resurfacing, 32 patients with bilateral TKA that included one resurfaced and one native patella were retrospectively reviewed at average follow up 21.4 months from the most recent surgery. Results : No difference was observed in patient satisfaction, KOOS-ADL score, and VAS scores. No complications or secondary patellar resurfacing occurred. Conclusions : Therefore, patients perceive no difference between knees with native patella retention or a resurfaced patella in regards to pain and function.