Patellectomy

Patellectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the patella, or kneecap. This procedure is typically performed to alleviate severe pain or restore mobility in cases where the patella has been severely damaged or diseased and non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective.

Indications

A patellectomy may be indicated in cases of patellar fracture, patellar tendonitis, patellar dislocation, or osteoarthritis of the knee. It may also be performed in cases of patellar cancer or other diseases affecting the patella.

Procedure

During a patellectomy, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the knee to expose the patella. The patella is then carefully removed, and the surrounding tissues are repaired. The procedure may be performed as an open surgery or using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique.

Recovery

Following a patellectomy, patients typically undergo a period of physical therapy to restore strength and mobility to the knee. The recovery period can vary depending on the individual patient's health and the specifics of the procedure.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, a patellectomy carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific to this procedure, there may also be risks of decreased knee function, instability, and chronic pain.

See Also

• Knee surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical therapy