In episode 15 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we take a close look at what really happens to the kneecap during total knee replacement. You’ll learn how surgeons decide whether to resurface the patella, how the small “button” fits on the underside of your own bone, and what the research shows about long-term outcomes. We also cover how ligaments like the ACL, PCL, and collateral ligaments are treated during surgery, and why it’s worth reviewing your surgical report or asking your surgeon exactly what was done. This episode brings clarity to one of the most common — and most misunderstood — aspects of total knee replacement.

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Medical Disclaimer The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with questions about your specific condition.

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References

1. Chen K, Li G, Fu D, Yuan C, Zhang Q, Cai Z. Patellar resurfacing versus nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2013;8:10.
2. Fu D, Chen K, Li G, et al. Patellar resurfacing versus nonresurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(2):666–673.
3. Wood DJ, Smith AJ, Collopy D, White B, Brankov B, Bulsara MK. Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(10):2176–2181.
4. He JY, Jiang LS, Dai LY. The influence of patellar mobility on knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(2):222–227.
5. Chen X, Li J, Peng L, et al. Patellar resurfacing versus non-resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a Cochrane systematic review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;1:CD009898.
6. Fu D, Chen K, Li G, et al. Long-term outcomes of patellar resurfacing vs nonresurfacing in TKA. J Arthroplasty. 2020;35(5):1463–1470.
7. Stürmer KM, et al. Patellar complications following TKA with or without resurfacing: registry-based analysis. Orthopaedics. 2019.
8. Kim TK, et al. Patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty: update on causes and management. Knee Surg Relat Res. 2022;34:32.
9. Feller JA, Bartlett RJ, Lang DM. Patellar resurfacing versus retention in total knee arthroplasty: ten-year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2020;102-B(5):593–599.
10. Music used in this episode is licensed for use through Descript. All rights to the track are secured via Descript’s music library.