Knee Cap Removal

What is a Patellectomy?

A Patellectomy is a partial or total surgical removal of the Patella, commonly known as the Kneecap.

Why is a Patellectomy procedure performed?

This procedure is commonly performed for three main reasons:

• The kneecap is fractured or shattered beyond repair - occurs in any age group
• The kneecap is unstable and easily and repeatedly dislocates - more common in young girls aged 10 - 14 years old
• Degenerative arthritis of the kneecap causing extreme pain - more common in patients over the age of 60 years old

How is a Patellectomy procedure performed?

A Patellectomy Procedure can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep), or Epidural or Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around 40 minutes to perform. Most procedures are provided on a Day-Case basis.

During the procedure patients are positioned on their back on the operating table and a linear incision is made over the front of the kneecap of the problematic knee. The damaged kneecap is then exposed from under the skin and muscle and assessed to see if a total or partial removal techniques is required, The kneecap (or part of) and the muscles and tendons normally attached to the kneecap are then removed as required. Following on the covering muscles and skin are closed with stitches or clips and the wound is covered with an absorbent dressing and support bandage.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as joint stiffness and Deep Vein Thrombosis from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake knee physiotherapy exercises and walk up and down stairs and walk a gentle distance just a few hours after surgery.

Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control, patients are normally discharged home 4-6 hours after their surgery. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing only a simple wound dressing and support bandage over their incision, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently with a stick and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers) to control any pain.

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility and range of joint movement through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distance.

Your Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will then assess your condition and knee joints range of movement after 1week; and then again after three months to evaluate how successful the procedure has been. Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take up to 6 months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Patellectomy surgery? Although Knee replacement surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert in knee surgery to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Patellectomy surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in knee surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating Patellectomy surgery and because of their specialist lower limb surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that all patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert knee surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com