Abstract
The frequent association of patellofemoral pain and malalignment of the extensor mechanism is well known. In our experience, lateral hypertorsion of the tibial metaphysis (enough to cause excessive compression on the external facet of the patella) is a common finding in patients with anterior knee pain, and is even observed with computed tomography (CT).
Many surgical procedures have been described, both for the realignment of the extensor apparatus and for the reduction of the excessive patellar compression. The technique of tibial tuberosity derotation consists of a distal realignment on the frontal plane with consequent reduction of the external patellofemoral pressure. This latter, based on studies on anatomic preparations, can achieve a reduction of about 50% if the tibial extra-torsion is reduced surgically. In our study, the results obtained with this surgical procedure in the medium term have been evaluated in a group of 26 patients with patellar maltracking. Our study concerned 10 men and 16 women, aged 17–42 years. These patients were affected by a painful patellar syndrome that had persisted for a period between 8 and 18 months. They underwent surgery during the period between September 1992 and June 1995. Preoperatively, each patient underwent a cycle of physiokinesiotherapy, for at least 6 months.
The pain disappeared in 15 patients; it developed after moderate activity in four patients and appeared only occasionally in five patients. In only two cases did the pain remain unchanged. Seven patients reported difficulty in assuming or maintaining a kneeling position. After surgery, the Lysholm score increased from 43 to 79. When questioned about the degree of satisfaction with the corrective surgery, 16 patients declared themselves to be very satisfied, six patients were fairly satisfied, and four patients were not satisfied.
We propose this procedure as a treatment for anterior knee pain resistant to conservative therapy, in young patients with external hypertorsion of the proximal tibial metaphysis and without significant chondro-pathology.
