About Patellectomy
Key Highlights
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Alleviates chronic, severe knee pain unresponsive to other treatments.Addresses recurrent patellar dislocations or instability.Can restore functional mobility and improve quality of life for the child.Considered a definitive solution for specific traumatic or degenerative patellar conditions.Performed by specialists trained in pediatric bone growth and development.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, comminuted (shattered) patellar fractures that cannot be reconstructed.
- Chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome or chondromalacia patellae with extensive, irreversible cartilage damage.
- Recurrent patellar dislocations with significant articular damage.
- Advanced osteochondritis dissecans of the patella.
- Patellar tumors (benign or malignant).
- Failed previous patellar surgeries (e.g., failed fracture fixation).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, X-rays, and often an MRI to assess cartilage and soft tissues.
- Detailed discussion with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon about goals, risks, and alternatives.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as per hospital protocol.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Nerve or blood vessel damage leading to numbness or weakness.
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or weakness in the knee.
- Altered knee biomechanics leading to quadriceps weakness or arthritis in the long term.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Scar tissue formation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay for initial pain management and monitoring.
- Knee immobilized in a brace or cast initially, with gradual mobilization as guided.
- Strict adherence to weight-bearing restrictions (often non-weight bearing initially).
- Physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, range of motion, and function.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Careful wound care and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Gradual return to activities over several months, with sports often restricted for an extended period.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering patellectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform patellectomy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for patellectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Aadya Bhatia is a 13-year-old competitive...
Aadya Bhatia is a 13-year-old competitive gymnast who has trained since she was 5. For over a year, she experienced increasingly severe pain and instability in her right knee, diagnosed as severe recurrent patellar dislocation. Despite months of physiotherapy and bracing, her kneecap would dislocate during routine floor exercises, causing falls and immense pain. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon explained that the shape of her patella (knee cap) was severely misshapen (dysplastic) and was acting like a 'derailed train,' damaging the cartilage with each dislocation. The recommendation was a patellectomy, removing the kneecap, to eliminate the source of dislocation and pain, allowing her to regain stability, though it would end her high-impact gymnastics career. The surgery went smoothly. Her recovery involved immediate focus on regaining range of motion, followed by months of strengthening the quadriceps to compensate for the missing patella. A year later, Aadya is pain-free and stable. She can run, swim, and bike, but has transitioned to coaching younger gymnasts. Emotionally, it was a profound loss to give up her athletic identity, but she has found new purpose and relief from constant fear of dislocation.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Patellectomy
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform patellectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata