J Knee Surg 2010; 23(4): 237-240
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271890
CASE REPORT

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Fracture of Highly Cross-linked All-Polyethylene Patella after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Dustin S. Hambright1 , Tyler Steven Watters1 , Adam M. Kaufman1 , Paul F. Lachiewicz2 , Michael P. Bolognesi1
  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
  • 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 January 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in polyethylene fabrication have led to the introduction of highly cross-linked polyethylene tibial and patellar components for use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with the goal of reducing wear-related osteolysis. However, some reports suggest decreased mechanical strength as a result of the additional thermal and sterilization treatments in the manufacturing of implants. Complications related to the patella are among the most common causes of failure in TKA, but patellar component fracture is rare. The authors report a case of a highly cross-linked all-polyethylene patellar component that failed as a result of fracture in vivo in a patient 3 years after TKA.

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Tyler Steven WattersM.D. 

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center

DUMC 3000, Durham, NC 27710

Email: tsw9@duke.edu