Assessment and balancing of patellar tracking

Abstract

Accurate patellar tracking should now be the norm with most contemporary total knee implants, but this is predicated not only on the use of a femoral implant with sound trochlear geometry that is favorable for patellar kinematics, but also on a meticulous soft-tissue technique. Additionally, malrotating or malpositioning the components can have devastating consequences for the patellofemoral compartment, as can overstuffing the anterior compartment, which may reduce the space available for the patella and predispose to subluxation. Considering the unfavorable results of revisional surgery for patellar maltracking, ensuring accurate patellar tracking at the time of the initial arthroplasty should be a priority. © 2005 Springer Medizin Verlag Heidelberg.