Type of Surgery

Information

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Last updated: 11/24/2009

Risks

Risks involved with kneecap removal are similar to those associated with any surgical procedure, mainly allergic reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, and infection.

Kneecap removal is very delicate surgery because the kneecap is part of...

the extensor mechanism of the leg, meaning the muscles and ligaments, the patella, the quadriceps tendon, and the patellar tendon; which all allow the knee to extend and remain stable when extended. When the kneecap is removed, the extensor assembly becomes more lax, and it may be impossible to ever regain full extension.




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This narrated 3D animation shows the anatomy of the knee joint and how a knee replacement (artificial knee placement) takes place. The movement of the artificial joint is shown.

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Other Information

Kneecap removal, or patellectomy, is the surgical removal of the patella, commonly called the kneecap.

Kneecap removal is performed under either general or local anesthesia at a hospital or freestanding surgical center, by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon makes an incision around the kneecap. Then, the muscles and tendons attached to the kneecap are cut and the kneecap is removed. Next, the muscles are sewed back together, and the skin is closed with sutures or clips that stay in place about one week. Any hospital stay is generally brief.


From http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/kneecap_removal.jsp

Other Information

Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.


From: About.com

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