Periprosthetic patella fractures in total knee replacement and revision surgeries: how to diagnose and treat this rare but potentially devastating complication—a review of the current literature

Abstract

Purpose: Periprosthetic patella fractures (PPPFs) are infrequent but potentially devastating complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA (rTKA). These fractures may occur both in resurfaced and un-resurfaced patella. This review summarizes the current literature on PPPFs to help orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat this uncommon but extremely challenging TKA complication. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in three databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE. All relevant information was retrieved and summarized in this narrative review. Results: In the studies analyzed, there is a general trend in favor of nonsurgical treatment, except for implant loosening or extensor lag with extensor apparatus disruption, because surgery is often associated with poor clinical outcomes and high complication rates. Conclusion: PPPF is a rare but catastrophic event in TKA and rTKA, occurring mainly in a reconstructed patella. Patient-, implant-, and surgical technique-related factors contribute to its multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the PPPFs rate. Conservative management is the treatment of choice due to high surgery complication rates unless implant loosening, or extensor apparatus disruption occurs.