Selective patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

350 knees were evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study of selective patellar resurfacing in primary total knee arthroplasty. Knees with exposed bone on the patellar articular surface were excluded. 327 knees were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 7.8years. 114 knees followed for greater than 10 years were analyzed separately. Satisfaction was higher in patients with a resurfaced patella. In patients followed for at least 10 years, no significant difference was found. No difference was found in KSS scores or survivorship. No complications of patellar resurfacing were identified. The vast majority of patients with remaining patellar articular cartilage do very well with total knee arthroplasty regardless of patellar resurfacing. Patient satisfaction may be slightly higher with patellar resurfacing.