Technical Considerations for an Anteromedializing Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

Background: Tibial tubercle osteotomy and distal realignment allows for adjustment to the patellofemoral articulation in order to improve patellar tracking and redistribute patellar contract pressures. Indications: A healthy, active 39-year-old woman status post right knee tibial tubercle osteotomy presented with >2 years of patellar instability symptoms in the left knee. Imaging revealed a tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance of 21 mm and patellar tendon lateral trochlear ridge (PT-LTR) distance of 14 mm. Technique Description: After knee arthroscopy is performed, an open incision is made along the inferomedial patellar tendon. Two pilot holes are created before a sagittal saw is used to make the tibial tubercle osteotomy, before completing it with an osteotome. Anteromedialization and/or distalization of the osteotomy is performed relative to templated values in order to improve patellar articulation. After correction, 3 bicortical screws are placed to achieve stable fixation. Results: There were no immediate complications following surgery. Surgical management led to improvement of the patient’s patellofemoral pain, which allowed return to prior baseline level of function. Discussion/Conclusion: The preferred technique for an anteromedialzing tibial tubercle osteotomy is presented. An anteromedializing tibial tubercle osteotomy is an effective surgical option for patients with evidence of patellar maltracking or central or lateral patellar chondromalacia whom have failed conservative management. This case demonstrates the efficacy of an anteromedializing tibial tubercle osteotomy to provide pain relief by improving patellar tracking and offloading patellar contact pressures on areas of prominent chondral wear.

The Outcomes of Isolated Distal Realignment Procedures in Patellofemoral Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Distal realignment procedures are now commonly performed routinely with proximal realignment procedures. Despite so, only a limited number of publications exist that have looked into the efficacy of isolated distal realignment procedures, and whether there is indeed a need for routine proximal realignment procedures to be added to the distal realignment procedures. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes of isolated distal realignment procedures in the management of patellofemoral instability. The review was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRSIMA) guidelines. All studies that reported the outcomes of isolated distal realignment procedures for patellofemoral instability were included. A total of six publications were included, with 347 knees. All studies consistently reported a decrease in the rates of patellofemoral instability or maltracking (odds ratio [OR]: < 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: < 0.01–0.01) and an increase in the odds of having a good outcome (OR: 0.01; 95% CI: < 0.01–0.02) after distal realignment procedures. A total of 24 out of 306 patients (7.8%) had postoperative instability or maltracking, and a total of 220 out of 303 patients (72.6%) were rated to have good or excellent outcomes postoperatively. Isolated distal realignment procedures can lead to good outcomes when used in the management of patellofemoral instability. These include a significantly decreased rate of patellofemoral instability or maltracking and a significantly increased number of patients with excellent or good outcomes postoperatively. Comparisons between patients with and without additional proximal realignment procedures suggest that additional proximal realignment procedures do not definitely improve the outcomes of distal realignment procedures and, therefore, should not be routinely performed in all patients undergoing distal realignment procedures. The Level of Evidence for this study is IV.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives: Recurrent patellofemoral dislocation is usually a multifactorial pathology. Different surgical techniques have been described according to the etiology of dislocation. In absence of a severe malalignment or an anatomical patellofemoral dysplasia, reconstruction of Medial Patello-femoral Ligament (MPFL) can restore the normal tracking of the patella, avoiding lateral excursion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results and complications in patients who underwent a MPFL reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients who underwent an anatomic MPFL reconstruction using autologous semitendinosus graft between 2007 and 2012. Exclusion criteria were patients with less than three years of follow-up and those with an associated procedure such as distal realignment or trochleoplasty. Clinical outcomes were measured using Kujala score and return to sport rate. We registered the postoperative complications and recurrence rate. Results: Nine patients were men and 10 women with a mean age of 25 years. Average follow-up was 5.8 years. Nine patients (47.4%) returned to their previous sport level, 8 (42.1%) changed to another sport or decreased their level and 2 (10.5%) were unable to practice any sports at all. Kujala score improvement was from 62.8 preoperative to 88.8 postoperative. One patient decreased the Kujala score. Eighty-nine percent of patients were satisfied with their outcome. One patient had a patellar fracture and four developed an arthrofibrosis and required mobilization under anesthesia. No recurrences were registered. Conclusion: Isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral dislocation is an effective alternative in absence of severe malalignment or anatomical dysplasia. Although no recurrences where registered at minimum 3-year follow-up, almost half of the patients were not able to return to their previous sport level.

Mobile Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty for Valgus Knee Osteoarthritis with Permanent Patellar Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Permanent patellar dislocation with tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis is a relatively rare condition. To treat this condition, total knee arthroplasty with proximal or distal realignment of the extensor mechanism has been reported. We report a challenging case of an 80-year-old woman diagnosed with permanent patellar dislocation with tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis treated by a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty utilizing navigation system. Lateral retinaculum release was performed to improve patellar tracking; other proximal or distal realignment of the extensor mechanism was not necessary. Postoperative radiographs show stable patellar tracking and recurrent patellar dislocation was not observed. This clinical case indicates that the implant’s precise alignment and rotation during total knee arthroplasty could settle anatomical abnormalities of permanent patellar dislocation and the mobile bearing insert could contribute to stabilizing patellar tracking.