Patellar resurfacing in TKA involves replacing which component?

• A. The femoral component
• B. The tibial insert
• C. The patellar articular surface with a prosthetic component
• D. The acetabular cup

Answer: (C)

Patellar resurfacing targets the patellofemoral joint and replaces the patella’s articular surface with a prosthetic component. In this procedure, damaged cartilage on the underside of the patella is trimmed and a polyethylene patellar button is affixed to the patella to create a new, smooth bearing surface that articulates with the femoral trochlea during knee bending. The goal is to improve patellofemoral tracking and reduce wear. The other components mentioned belong to different parts of the knee or to other joints: the femoral component is the metal surface that sits on the femur, the tibial insert is the polyethylene piece on the tibial tray, and the acetabular cup is part of a hip replacement, not a knee replacement.