Facetectomy is an operation to remove one of the facets (flat surfaces) at the back of the kneecap (patella), usually to remove an area of arthritis.

 

Lateral facetectomy

During knee replacement surgery the lateral facet may be removed to shape the patella better for the prosthesis.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...