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bone health & Harmony blog

Kneecap Resurfacing

Kneecap Resurfacing

March 7, 2021

Kneecap Resurfacing During Knee Replacement

updated by Cory Calendine, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon

The decision to resurface the underside of the patella (patella) as part of total knee replacement may be influenced by a number of variables including surgeon’s preference, education, training, surgical technique, tradition and geographic location. Advocates for non-resurfacing or selectively resurfacing may claim no difference in patient reported outcomes, and that resurfacing is associated with increased risks such as extensor mechanism injury or malalignment, problems with the design of the patella component and technical issues intraoperatively.

New Patella Resurfacing Research

A new study recently published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research concluded that patella resurfacing and non-resurfacing often have similar patient-reported outcomes, but patella resurfacing is cost-effective and associated with a lower rate of re-operation compared to non-resurfacing. With improved patella prosthetic design and more precise computer-assisted knee replacement planning, Dr. Calendine chooses patella resurfacing for most knee replacement patients. The following video more accurately describes the process of patella resurfacing during knee replacement surgery.

Study Link: Patella resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty is cost-effective and has lower re-operation rates compared to non-resurfacing

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Cory Calendine, MD is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and founding partner of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee at Williamson County Hospital in Franklin, TN. Dr. Calendine is an expert in Joint Replacement, specializing in Hip and Knee Surgery. From diagnosis through treatment, the Orthopaedic Surgical experts at the Bone and Joint Institute use the latest techniques and technology to improve care for people with musculoskeletal problems. For more information, please contact our office or schedule your appointment today.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CONTACT DR. CALENDINE CLINIC LOCATION AND HOURS

Robotic-assisted Knee Replacement: Knee Balancing

Knee balancing is one of the most important steps during total knee replacement surgery, and it directly affects how stable and natural your knee feels after recovery. During Mako robotic knee replacement, your surgeon uses 3D CT-based planning and real-time intraoperative data to measure soft tissue tension and ligament balance with sub-millimeter precision. Research shows that traditional manual techniques achieve a balanced knee in only about 50% of cases, while robotic-assisted methods combined with sensor feedback can reach up to 87%. Dr. Cory Calendine, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement in the Nashville, TN area, explains what knee balancing means for patients, how the Mako system achieves better soft tissue balance, and why it matters for your long-term outcome after knee replacement surgery.

How To Read Knee X-rays

When conservative treatments can no longer address severe knee arthritis revealed on X-rays, Dr. Calendine provides advanced joint replacement solutions for patients throughout the Nashville area. Serving Brentwood, Franklin, and the greater Nashville region, Dr. Calendine specializes in both total knee replacement and partial knee replacement procedures, utilizing the latest surgical techniques and technology to restore mobility and eliminate pain. His practice focuses on personalized treatment plans that consider each patient's unique anatomy, lifestyle goals, and X-ray findings to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Whether you're dealing with single-compartment arthritis suitable for partial knee replacement or advanced multi-compartment disease requiring total knee replacement, Dr. Calendine's expertise in joint replacement surgery helps Middle Tennessee patients return to active, pain-free living. Contact his office to schedule a consultation and learn how modern knee replacement surgery can address the arthritis and joint damage visible on your X-rays.

Spinal Disc Replacement Research Highlights

Discover the latest advancements in motion-preserving spinal disc replacement as an alternative treatment option for degenerative disc disease. Learn the benefits and limitations of traditional spinal fusion and how disc arthroplasty aims to address them. Stay updated on the advances of implant design and current options for disc arthroplasty and their associated outcomes for spinal disc pathology.