Abstract
Patients with recurrent patella instability, who have an abnormal patellofemoral alignment (patella height or tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance), benefit from tibial tubercle transfer along with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Between July 2008 and April 2013, 18 patients (21 knees) with recurrent patellar instability underwent combined MPFL reconstruction and tibial tubercle transfer. All patients had abnormal patellofemoral alignment in addition to MPFL insufficiency. 15 patients (16 knees) with a mean age of 24 years (16–41) had a mean follow up of 26 months (6–55). We assessed the outcome using KOOS, KUJALA, activity level and patient satisfaction scores. All patients had a stable patella. There was a significant improvement in outcome scores in 12 out of 15 patients. At final follow up KOOS score had improved from 68.25(44 to 93.9) to 77.05(48.8 to 96.4) and KUJALA score had improved from 63.3(41–88) to 78.06 (45 to 99). 9 patients showed excellent results and achieved at least a pre-injury level of activity. 4 of these had activity level better then preoperative level. 6 patients had a lower activity level than pre-injury (1 – ongoing physiotherapy, 1 – because of lack of confidence, and 4 – Life style modification). 14 patients were satisfied and happy to recommend this procedure. There were 3 postop complications, with 2 cases of stiffness and 1 case of non-union of the tibial tuberosity. Our prospective study has shown that restoration of tibial tubercle-trochlear groove index, Patella height and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament reconstruction yields good results in carefully selected patients.
