Outcomes of combined tibial tuberosity transfer and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability

Acta Orthop Belg. 2016 Aug;82(2):365-371.

Abstract

Patellofemoral instability is multifactorial and is associated with pathomechanics secondary to anatomical variance. Surgical management of this problem must be tailored to each patient and a thorough clinical and radiological assessment of the anatomical alignment should be carried out pre-operatively. The aim of this study is to assess the role of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer in patients with increased tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Twenty-four patients (27 knees) over 2-years were operated on by a single surgeon, with standardised post-operative rehabilitation and follow up. Mean follow up was 31-months. Two patients had problems with recurrent instability, 1 had a -traumatic re-dislocation at 2 years and a total of 4 required further operation for complications. Mean post--operative Kujala scores were 87.4 (SD 9.8). Combined medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer is an appropriate treatment for patients with increased TT-TG distance.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / surgery*
  • Ligaments, Articular / surgery*
  • Male
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Patellofemoral Joint / surgery*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult