Total patellectomy, although it has a biomechanical disadvantage in that
it may lead to a degree of quadriceps weakness, is frequently indicated in
selected patients. Numerous different techniques of performing patellectomy
have been described. In this paper, we present a technique of performing a
patellectomy in which the continuity of the quadriceps mechanism is not
disrupted and the vastuc medialis is advanced. Twenty-six patients
(twenty-nine knees) in whom the procedure was performed were studied
retrospectively. The findings in this series showed 90 per cent good or
excellent results, two cases of extensor lag, an average of 118 degrees of
knee flexion, minimum quadriceps atrophy with good strength, and minimum
postoperative immobilization. The method presented has the important
advantage of an easier, smoother postoperative knee-rehabilitation period,
which is extremely advantageous in elderly patients.