Kneecap Removal is a surgical intervention technique that involves the partial or complete removal of the kneecap, which is also known as the patella. This procedure is recommended for individuals, who have a degenerative joint disorder, like osteoarthritis that affects the kneecap.

What part of the Body does the procedure involve?

A Kneecap Removal procedure involves the kneecap, the knee joint, surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, attached to the kneecap.

Why is the Kneecap Removal surgical procedure performed?

A Kneecap Removal surgical procedure is performed for the following reasons:

• Kneecap fracture, when the kneecap is damaged beyond repair
• Recurring dislocation associated with the kneecap
• Osteoarthritis of the kneecap

How is the Kneecap Removal surgical procedure performed?

• A Kneecap Removal procedure is usually done under general anesthesia
• The orthopedic surgeon incises the skin over the kneecap. The kneecap is exposed and mobilized, by cutting the muscles and tendons attached to it
• The kneecap is either partially removed (Partial Patellectomy) or completely removed (Total Patellectomy), depending on the extent of the damage
• The muscles and tendons are sutured back again, to preserve mobility at the knee joint. The skin incision is then sutured

What does the patient need to tell his Physician before the Procedure?

It is very important to provide the following information to the healthcare provider. This enables the healthcare provider in assessing the risks for the Kneecap Removal surgical procedure and helps avoid unnecessary complications.

• Provide a complete list of medications the patient is currently taking to the doctor. This information is useful for a variety of reasons. For example, it can help the doctor prevent complications due to a drug interaction
• If the patient is allergic to any specific medication or food items
• If the patient is taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, warfarin, herbal supplements, or any other such medications
• If the patient or his family members have a history of bleeding disorders, or if there is a tendency to bleed more than normal
• If the patient is having diabetes, high blood pressure, chest pains, or have previously suffered from a heart attack
• If the patient had ever been diagnosed with blood clots in his leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lung (embolism of the lung)
• If the patient is having a history of frequent bone fractures (this may affect bone-healing if bones are involved as part of the procedure)
• A list of all previous surgical procedures the patient has undergone, for example, Removal of appendix, gallbladder, or any other part, of patient’s body surgical repair of any body part, such as hernia repair, perforation of the bowel wall, etc.

What preparations are needed prior to the procedure?

• The doctor may evaluate the individual’s medical history to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the overall health status of the patient including information related to the medications that are being currently taken
• Some medications increase a person’s chances of bleeding and it may be recommended to discontinue them for a period of time before the procedure is performed
• Blood tests may be performed to determine if there is a bleeding tendency or any other medical conditions that prevent the person from undergoing the procedure
• Normally local anesthesia is not used however, do inform the physician if the patient is allergic to any local anesthetics, lidocaine, etc.
• Avoid application of any cosmetics, deodorant, or topical medicines on the area, prior to the procedure
• It is advisable to quit smoking and the use of any nicotine-based products, for a while, before the surgery
• Consumption of alcoholic drinks must also be avoided for a period of time, as instructed
• The patient must avoid eating or drinking at least 8 hours prior to the surgical procedure, depending on when the procedure is arranged
• For people suffering from diabetes, it is important that the blood sugar stays within the normal range if not their diabetologist may have to control blood sugar by recommending insulin and/or a combination of oral medicines

What tests are needed before the Kneecap Removal surgical procedure?

Before the Kneecap Removal procedure, the patient has to undergo certain tests, such as:

• Routine blood and urine analysis
• X-ray of both knees