Introduction: A tibial tubercle osteotomy can be used in the exposure of severe articular deformity and the tight knee in total knee arthroplasty, especially revision surgery. This osteotomy has been popularised by Dr. L. Whiteside [1] who described transosseous wiring to secure the osteotomy following joint reconstruction. Other fixation techniques including the use of cables and screws may provide options for this technique. The current study exmained 3 different fixation methods for tibial tubercle osteotomy using an in-vitro sheep model. Materials and Methods: Tibial tubercle osteotomies (5 cm in length) were performed in ten adult sheep tibias. The osteotomies were fixed sequentially using circumferential Dall-Miles cables (Howmedica, Ritherford, NJ) (Fig. 1), transosseous wires and lastly 2 AO screws. Testing of each fixation configuration was performed using an MTS 858 Mini Bionix servo hydraulic testing machine (MTS Systems Corporation, USA). The loading regime used a cyclic 200 N load applied along the line of the patellar tendon with micromotion measured at the osteotomy and adjacent bone using optical sensors (MEL, Bahnhofstr, Germany). Data was analyzed using ANOVA. Micromotion at the end of the osteotomy fragment was recorded for 150 cycles for each tibia following reconstruction with cables, wires, and screws in succession. Results: Cable fixation provided the most stable construct followed by screws and wires respectively. Wire fixation had the greatest variation in micromotion (370 microns). The ovine tibia model provides a reproducible bone bed to evaluate different fixation strategies for tibial tubercle osteotomy. Clinically, differences may even be marked considering anatomic and bone quality issues as well as magnitude of the load that have not been addressed in this in-vitro study. Discussion: Fixation of the osteotmoy is an important surgical technique. Wolff et al. found that major complications related to the surgical technique occurred in 23% of the knees performed in 26 cases [2]. Reis et al. [3] observed fixation with 3 or 4 titanium screws was sufficient after a follow-up period of 18 months. Twenty-nine of the osteotomies healed primarily. One patient developed postoperative displacement of the tibial tubercle requiring additional screw and suture fixation. This study has shown that micromotion of a tibial tubercle osteotomy fixation in sheep is dependent upon fixation technique. Cables provided the most stable fixation compared to screws and wires in an ovine tibial model

Aim: A study to determine the results of tibial tubercle osteotomy in a series of revision and difficult primary total knee replacements. Method: A consecutive series of total knee replacements in which tibial tubercle osteotomy was performed were reviewed retrospectively. 18 revision knees and 5 primary knee replacements were identified. All of the operations performed were by the senior author. The technique was the same in all cases, involving 9cm osteotomy with screw fixation. In cases with marked restricted flexion and patella baja, the tubercle was deliberately moved proximally to gain length in the extensor mechanism. Results: All osteotomies had united by 8–12 weeks as assessed on a lateral radiograph. Range of movement increased on average 45° in the revisions, and by 60° in the primaries. An active extensor lag in 4 cases (all deliberate proximalisations) post operatively which all recovered. 5 patients underwent MUA for stiffness at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Tibial tubercle osteotomy allows predictable extensile exposure in primary and revision total knee replacement. It also allows lengthening of a contracted extensor mechanism. Union rate was excellent and complications low. It allows preservation of the quadriceps mechanism and a normal post-operative rehabilitation

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term results of tibial tubercle osteotomy in a series of revision and difþcult primary total knee replacements. Method: A consecutive series of total knee replacements in which tibial tubercle osteotomy was performed were reviewed retrospectively. 18 revision knees and 5 primary knee replacements were identiþed. All of the operations performed were by the senior author. The technique was the same in all cases, involving 9cm osteotomy with screw þxation. In cases with marked restricted ßexion and patella baja, the tubercle was deliberately moved proximally to gain length in the extensor mechanism. In 3 revisions the index component had a porous in-growth stem. The osteotomy facilitated explantation. Results: All osteotomies had united by 8–12 weeks. Range of movement increased on average 45û in the revisions, and by 60û in the primaries. An active extensor lag in 4 cases (all deliberate proximalisations) post operatively which all recovered.5 patients underwent MUA for stiffness at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Tibial tubercle osteotomy allows predictable extensile exposure in primary and revision total knee replacement. It also allows lengthening of a contracted extensor mechanism. Union rate was excellent and complications low. It allows preservation of the quadriceps mechanism and a normal postoperative rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION:. Proper tibial rotation has been cited as an important prerequisite to optimal total knee replacement. The most commonly recognized rotational landmark is the medial 1/3. rd. of the tibial tubercle. The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of variability this structure has from a common reference as well as to understand the effects of component design when referencing this structure. METHODS:. Subjects were prospectively scanned into a Virtual Bone Database (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ), which is a collection of body CT scans from subjects collected globally. All CT scans displayed cropped bones were excluded. SOMA™ (Stryker) is a unique tool with the ability to take automated measurements of quantities such as distances and angles on a large number of pre-segmented bone samples which was then to perform calculations represented in this study. Demographic information for each subject was recorded were known. For the analysis, the mechanical axis of the tibia (MAT) was established by connecting the center of the proximal tibia to the center of the ankle. From the MAT, a perpendicular resection plane was made at a distance of 9 mm from the most proximal portion of the lateral condyle. This plane was then used as a virtual resection plane to establish the points for the remaining structures which was the medial 1/3. rd. of the tibial tubercle and the posterior notch of the PCL insertion. The following axes were identified: 3TT (line between the medial 1/3. rd. of the tibial tubercle and the posterior notch of the tibia); 3CTT (line between the medial 1/3. rd. of the tibial tubercle and the center of the tibia); and the posterior axis of the tibia (line connecting the two most posterior points of the tibia at the virtual resection plane). Measurements made were the angle of the 3TT Line to the posterior axis and the angle of the 3CTT Line to the posterior axis. RESULTS:. CT Scans of the Left Knees (n = 524), Right Knees (n = 527), and combined left/right knee (n = 1051) were collected for this study. The mean 3TT angle for the left knee was 74.6° ± 3.0° (Range: 60.2°–84.8°) and right knee was 74.5° ± 3.0° (Range: 65.1°– 85.1°). The combined (left/right) angle was 74.5° ± 3.0° (Range: 60.2°–85.1°). The mean 3CTT angle for the left knee was 71.2° ± 3.6° (Range: 57.6°–83.2°) and right knee was 71.1° ± 3.5° (Range: 61.4°–82.3°). The combined (left/right) angle was 71.1° ± 3.6° (Range: 57.6°–83.2°). The two methods resulted in a 3.4° difference, with the 3TT reference being more externally rotated. DISCUSSION:. The tibial tubercle is a common landmark used to set the rotation of the tibial component and utilizing the posterior aspect of the tibia provides a common reference point to establish variations that could exist with this landmark. The amount of variation of the tibial tubercle can vary by over 25 degrees. Asymmetric baseplates will set rotation based on tibial coverage so variation from the tubercle is can not be accommodated if the surgeon routinely uses this as a landmark. Symmetric baseplates can provide more options for rotational placement

Objectives. To assess the effectiveness of a modified tibial tubercle osteotomy as a treatment for arthroscopically diagnosed chondromalacia patellae. Methods. A total of 47 consecutive patients (51 knees) with arthroscopically proven chondromalacia, who had failed conservative management, underwent a modified Fulkerson tibial tubercle osteotomy. The mean age was 34.4 years (19.6 to 52.2). Pre-operatively, none of the patients exhibited signs of patellar maltracking or instability in association with their anterior knee pain. The minimum follow-up for the study was five years (mean 72.6 months (62 to 118)), with only one patient lost to follow-up. Results. A total of 50 knees were reviewed. At final follow-up, the Kujala knee score improved from 39.2 (12 to 63) pre-operatively to 57.7 (16 to 89) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The visual analogue pain score improved from 7.8 (4 to 10) pre-operatively to 5.0 (0 to 10) post-operatively. Overall patient satisfaction with good or excellent results was 72%. Patients with the lowest pre-operative Kujala score benefitted the most. Older patients benefited less than younger ones. The outcome was independent of the grade of chondromalacia. Six patients required screw removal. There were no major complications. Conclusions. We conclude that this modification of the Fulkerson procedure is a safe and useful operation to treat anterior knee pain in well aligned patellofemoral joints due to chondromalacia patellae in adults, when conservative measures have failed

Safely obtaining adequate exposure is an integral step in successfully performing a Total Knee Arthroplasty. In this study, we look at approaching the valgus knee through a lateral arthrotomy and tibial tubercle osteotomy. 20 knees in 19 consecutive patients with valgus deformities are included in this study (2006 to 2010). LCS mobile bearing prostheses were implanted by a single senior surgeon (GF). Navigation was used for all the knees. The knee is approached throught a skin incision 5–10mm more lateral than the standard midline incision. The lateral arthrotomy is made to Gerdy's tubercle 7–10cm distal to Tibial Tendon insertion. 7cm long and 2cm wide osteotomy is performed. Richards staples are used to fix the osteotomy once the prosthesis is fixed. All patients were followed up by the operating surgeon. All osteotomies united. 2 postoperative complications were encountered during follow up. One patient had a postoperative haematoma that was washed out. A second patient had a fall 6/52 post-op and sustained a minimally displaced fracture at the navigation pin site (Tibia). This was treated in a cylinder cast and went onto full union. Our technique of lateral arthrotomy and TTO in the valgus knee is safe and predictable. It delivers wider exposure, facilitates soft tissue management, preserves viability of the extensor mechanism and allows some movement of the tibial tubercle for improved patella tracking. We recommend planning this procedure preoperatively for best results

Aims: Anterior knee pain is a common complaint of mixed aetiology, and in many cases no demonstrable cause is identified. For patients with persistant anterior knee pain, tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) can be a surgical option. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of TTT for chronic anterior knee pain resistant to conservative treatment. Method: All patients with arthroscopically proven Chondromalacia patellae (CMP) without clinical evidence of patella instability, who have failed to respond to conservative treatment such as physiotherapy were included in the trial. They underwent TTT with a modified Fulkerson technique and then routine post-operative care with a cricket pad splint for 2–4 weeks. Pre and post-operative scores were obtained using a Kujala patello-femoral score, a visual analogue score for pain and a patient satisfaction score. The Outerbridge grading was used to score the severity of CMP at arthroscopy. Results: There were 50 TTT’s followed up (7 staged bilaterals) with a mean follow up of 32.4 months (5–88 months). There were significant improvement in the pre-operative and post-operative Kujala (p> 0.001) and visual analogue pain scores (p> 0.001). Of the 50 TTT’s 70% had an excellent or good result and 30% a fair or poor result. Moreover 76% claimed that they would have the same operation again for their condition. There was no significant correlation between Outerbridge grading and post-operative outcome. Complications include late anterior knee pain (10 cases), superficial wound infection (1 case), non-union of osteotomy (1 case) and tuberosity fracture (1 case). Conclusion: Anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer is a reliable and effective treatment for peristant anterior knee pain

Abstract. Introduction. Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a complex surgical procedure with a significant risk of complications, which include nonunion and tibial fracture. To determine whether an additional suture tape augmentation can provide better biomechanical stability compared with standard screw fixation. Methods. Five matched pairs of human cadaveric knees were divided into 2 groups: the first group underwent standard TTO fixation with 2 parallel screws. The second group underwent a novel fixation technique, in which a nonabsorbable suture tape (FiberTape) in a figure-of-8 construct was added to the standard screw fixation. Tubercular fragment migration of >50% of the initial distalization length was defined as clinical failure Tubercular fragment displacement during cyclic loading and pull-to-failure force were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Results. The augmented group showed less cyclic tubercular fragment displacement after every load level compared with the standard group, with statistically significant differences starting from 500 N (P < .05; power > 0.8). Mean ± standard deviation tubercular fragment displacement at the end of cyclic loading was 2.56 ± 0.82 mm for the augmented group and 5.21 ± 0.51 mm for the standard group. Mean ultimate failure load after the pull-to-failure test was 2475 ± 554 N for the augmented group and 1475 ± 280 N for the standard group. Conclusion. The specimens that underwent suture tape augmentation showed less tubercular fragment displacement during cyclic loading and higher ultimate failure forces compared with those that underwent standard screw fixation

We identified 26 tibial tubercle osteotomies (TTOs) performed in 23 revision knee arthroplasties between 2009 and 2013. Average age at last operation was 66 (33–92). Mean follow-up period was 14 months (3–33). Eleven TTOs were performed in 10 knees for single stage revisions and 15 TTOs were performed in 13 knees for 2 stage revisions in the setting of deep infection. In this infected subset 11 patients had a TTO performed at the first stage. This osteotomy was left unfixed to avoid leaving metalwork in a potentially contaminated wound, reopened, and then definitively secured with screws at the second stage. Our technique involves fashioning a long 7×1cm tibial tuberosity osteotomy without a proximal step-cut. All osteotomies united with no fractures. Minor proximal migration was noted in one case associated with screw loosening. There was no proximal migration noted in the 2 stage cases where the osteotomy had been left initially unfixed. There were no extensor lags. We conclude that TTO is a safe and reproducible procedure when adequate exposure cannot be obtained in revision knee arthroplasty. In 2 stage revisions sequential osteotomies does not decrease union rates and leaving the osteotomy unfixed after the first stage does not cause any issues

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

Introduction and Objective. Difficult primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision TKA are high demanding procedures. Joint exposure is the first issue to face off, in order to achieve a good result. Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients, who underwent TKA and revision TKA, where tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) was performed. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 79 consecutives TKAs where TTO was performed, from our Institution registry. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at their last follow-up (mean, 7.4 ± 3.7 years). Clinical evaluation included the Knee Society Score (KSS), the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and range of motion. Radiological assessment included the evaluation of radiolucent lines, osteolysis, cortical bone hypertrophy, time of bone healing of the TTO fragment, and the hardware complication. Results. KSS raised from 40.7 ± 3.1 to 75 ± 4.3 (p < 0.0001). Knee flexion increased from 78.7 ± 9.9° to 95.0 ± 9.5° (p < 0.0001), and VAS improved from 7.9 ± 0.9 to 3.8 ± 1 (p < 0.0001). No signs of loosening or evolutive radiolucency lineswere found. Osteolytic areas around the stem were detected. No significant association was found between the implant design and the outcomes, while aseptic loosening showed significantly better results. Complications were: 4 painful hardware, 3 late periprosthetic infections, 1 extension lag of 5°, and 3 flexion lag. Conclusions. Our experience suggests the use of TTO to improve the surgical approach in difficult primary TKA or revision TKA. A strict surgical technique leads to good results with low risk of complications

Purpose: Since the pathomechanism of patellofemoral malalignment is complex, multifactorial and varies individually, the ideal treatment has been a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the clinical outcome and radiographic changes of knees with patellofemoral malalignment treated with Fulkerson osteotomy after a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Materials and Methods: Sixty knees in 40 patients (32 female and 8 male) were examined with a mean of 55 20 (25 97) months after having undergone medialization of the tibial tubercle using Fulkerson osteotomy for patel-lofemoral malalignment. Mean age at surgery was 20 7 (12 42) years. Prior surgery of medial retinacular plication in 4 knees and lateral retinacular release in 1 knee had been performed. During surgery, amount of tibial tubercle transfer was determined by examining the patellar tracking over full range of knee motion. After Fulkerson osteotomy, proximal realignment procedures were added depending on arthroscopic appearance of the patellofemoral adaptation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using Fulkersons knee instability scale. The radiographic parameters including congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, tilting angle and lateral shift ratio were measured in Merchant view. Results: Mean distance of medial transfer of tibial tubercle was 12.8 3.1 (8 22) mm. Lateral retinacular release in 54 knees and adductor magnus tenodesis (Avikainen procedure) in 2 knees were simultaneously performed combined with Fulkerson osteotomy. All radiographic parameters at the final follow-up were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p < 0.05 in a paired t-test), that is, from 23.0 14.6 to 0.4 13.7 degrees in congruence angle, from −6.3 9.0 to 0.4 6.9 degrees in lateral patellofemoral angle, from 25.1 11.5 to 16.3 5.6 degrees in tilting angle and from 35 24 to 17 9% in lateral shift ratio. Mean score in Fulkersons knee instability scale was 96 5 points at the final follow-up. All knees except 3 were ranked as excellent, very good or good. Two knees with moderate osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint were ranked as fair. One knee that had postoperative recurrence of patellar subluxation underwent a revision surgery with Avikainen procedure. Discussion: In the clinical study with a minimum 2-year follow-up, Fulkerson tibial tubercle osteotomy provided excellent or good overall outcome in 93% of patients in combination with proximal realignment surgeries. Although all radiographic parameters were significantly improved, it was found that the lateral shift of the patella was more effectively corrected compared to the lateral tilt. It was suggested that reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral structures might be more suitable than Fulkerson osteotomy for some knees characterized by significant lateral tilt

Aim. We report the results of a modified Fulkerson technique of antero-medialisation of the tibial tubercle, combined with microfracture or abrasion arthroplasty in patients under 60 with patello-femoral osteoarthritis. Methods. All patients operated between September 1992 and October 2007 were reviewed by an independent observer in clinic or by postal questionnaire, using the Oxford Knee Score, Melbourne Patella Score and a Satisfaction Score. Only patients with Outerbridge Grade 3-4 osteoarthritis of the patello-femoral joint were included. They were assessed pre-operatively with plain x-rays, MRI scans (as well as tracking scans in the last 10 years) and arthroscopically. All patients with tracking scans showed lateral subluxation of the patella. The surgical procedure was a modification of Fulkerson's tibial tubercle osteotomy, with an advancement of 1-1.5cms and a medialisation of 1.5cms. The exposed bone of the patella and trochlea was drilled in the early cases and in the later cases an arthroscopic microfracture or abrasion using a power burr was carried out. Results. Between September 1992 and October 2007, 103 procedures were carried out in 84 patients, 19 patients having staged bilateral procedures. The mean follow-up was 84 months (range 24-204 months). The mean age was 45 (range 26-59) and the female to male ratio was 7.6:1. 70 patients were reviewed (follow-up rate of 82%). The mean Oxford Knee Score was 18.5 pre-operatively (range 3-32) and 34.3 post-operatively (range 11-47). The Melbourne Patella Score was 9.6 pre-operatively (range 3-30) and 20 post-operatively (range 11-30). Patient Satisfaction Scores were excellent (54%), good (29%), fair (8.5%) and poor (8.5%). 4 knees in 3 patients were converted to a patello-femoral arthroplasty, giving a 10 year survival rate of 96.1%. Conclusion. This procedure offers an alternative to patello-femoral arthroplasty for younger patients with isolated patello-femoral arthritis

We present 10–15 year follow-up of 33 patients who underwent Elmslie-Trillat osteotomy for severe patellar subluxation or dislocation. In the literature it has been reported that tibial tubercle osteotomy predisposes to subsequent patella-femoral arthritis, however it has never been documented if pre existent knee chondral damage has any role in this development. In our group all patients had pre-op knee arthroscopy performed and extant of chondral damage was documented. We pre-formed an evaluation by long-term follow-up to determined weather pre-op chondral damage was the cause of subsequent osteoarthritis of patella-femoral joint. All patients were invited to attend outpatient clinic for clinical examination and knee radiographs and assessed by an independent research surgeon. Mean age at follow-up was 43 years and average follow-up was 10.5 years (range 10–15 years). 90% follow-up was achieved. Knee function was assessed by clinical scores (Lysholm knee score, American Knee Score, Oxford Knee score, Tegner and Insall knee scores) and three radiographs (AP, Lateral and Merchant views) were performed. Four patients had developed significant arthritis and underwent joint arthroplasty. Majority of patients reported good results with no further dislocation. However we noticed that extant of pre-op chondral damage was a significant factor in subsequent development of patella-femoral arthritis. We will present our data which is unique as no previous such long-term results have been reported for tibial tubercle transfers followed-up for more than 10 years and have pre-op arthroscopic documented chondral damage

INTRODUCTION. Conventional surgical exposures are usually inadequate for 2-stage revision knee replacement ofinfected implants. Reduced range of motion, extensor mechanism stiffness, peripatellar contracture and soft tissue scarring make patellar eversion difficult and forced eversion places the integrity of the extensor mechanism at risk. On the contrary, a wide exposure is fundamental to allow complete cement spacer removal, soft tissue balancing, management of bone loss and reimplantation without damaging periarticular soft tissues. OBJECTIVES. To compare the long-term clinical, functional and radiographic results and the reinfection rate of the quadriceps snip approach and the tibial tubercle osteotomy in 2-stage revision knee replacement performed for septic loosening of the primary implant. METHODS. In our department, 87 patients had a 2 stage revision knee replacement for septic loosening of the primary implant between 1996 and 2008. In all patients, first stage consisted of primary implant removal, extensive soft tissue debridement and positioning of a static antibiotic loaded cement spacer. The timing for reimplantation was decided basing on negative clinical and laboratory (ESR, CRP) signs and negative Leukoscan results. For reimplantation, a quadriceps snip was used in patients with an intraoperative flexion >90° (Group A) while a tibial tubercle osteotomy (Group B) was used in patients with an intraoperative flexion <90°. RESULTS. At observation point, 4 patients died for reasons unrelated to surgery, leaving 42 patients in Group A and 41 in Group B. We had a total amount of 10 recurrent infections (11%) after reimplantation, 7 patients in Group A and 3 patients in Group B (p<0.005). Patients with a reinfection in Group A were treated with a knee fusion in 4 cases, a rerevision in 2 cases and an amputation above the knee in 1 case, while all those with a reinfection in Group B had a knee fusion. According to HSS score, 11 patients were rated as Excelent/Good in Group A and 9 patients in Group B (p=n.s.). Three patients had a major complication in Group A and 0 patients in Group B (p=0.005). No differences were found between the two groups regarding range of motion and subjective satisfaction. CONCLUSION. Tibial tubercle osteotomy is a safe procedure to obtain a wide exposure in 2-stage revision knee replacement performed for septic loosening of the primary implant and it is effective in reducing reinfection rate without compromising clinical results and range of motion

We present 10–15 year follow-up of 33 patients who underwent Elmslie-Trillat osteotomy for severe patellar subluxation or dislocation. In the literature it has been reported that tibial tubercle osteotomy predisposes to subsequent patella-femoral arthritis, however it has never been documented if pre-existent knee chondral damage has any role in this development. In our group all patients had pre-op knee arthroscopy performed and extant of chondral damage was documented. We preformed an evaluation by long-term follow-up to determine weather pre-op chondral damage was the cause of subsequent osteoarthritis of patella-femoral joint. All patients were invited to attend outpatient clinic for clinical examination and knee radiographs and assessed by an independent research surgeon. Mean age at follow-up was 43 years and average follow-up was 10.5 years (range 10–15 years). 90% follow-up was achieved. Knee function was assessed by clinical scores (Lysholm knee score, American Knee Score, Oxford Knee score, Tegner and Insall knee scores) and three radiographs (AP, Lateral and Merchant views). Four patients had developed significant arthritis and underwent joint arthroplasty. Majority of patients reported good results with no further dislocation. However we noticed that extant of pre-op chondral damage was a significant factor in subsequent development of patella-femoral arthritis. We will present our data which is unique as no previous such long-term results have been reported for tibial tubercle transfers followed-up for more than 10 years and have pre-op arthroscopic documented chondral damage

Purpose: Problem : Infection in TKA is a devastating yet common complication. 2-stage reimplant procedures are performed in the treatment of this condition. Purpose:To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, complications, and patient satisfaction results of 2nd stage reimplantation revision TKA with the use of a TTO. Technical aspects of TTO length, fixation, bypass, and complications are reported.

Methods: From 1996–2004 our database identified 25 revision TKA (12% of 206 revision TKA) performed using a TTO. In 20/25 cases the procedure was a 2nd stage reimplant. Demographics, infecting organism, Gustillo grade, clinical, radiographic, AORI defects, complications, patient satisfaction were evaluated prospectively. All patients were followed until radiographic union of the TTO.

Results: At a mean follow up of 22 mo(range,6–84) no patients were lost to follow-up. 24 (96%)TTO’s healed - 1 requiring revision ORIF. Prior to reimplantation, patients had undergone a mean of 3.3 prior knee surgeries(range,2–8). Prior extensor mechanism procedures had been performed in 43% of knees. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus was the infecting organism in > 50% of knees. 19 knees had a static cement spacer removed at revision. Time to 2nd stage reimplant was 39 weeks(range,15–68). Poor preop range of motion and stiffness (mean arc 430 , range 10–950) improved significantly postop (mean flexion 880 p< .05). 13 (56%) knees required an adjunctive extensor procedure at the time of TTO. TTO length averaged 8.8cm(range,8–10). Screws(15 knees), 2mm cables(6), wires(4) were used for TTO fixation. Mean stem bypass of the TTO was 63mm (−20 to 100). 21 (84%) patients were satisfied with the procedure, despite 8 knees(32%) requiring further surgery. 6 (24%) TTO complications occurred; 1 escape requiring fixation. All TTO’s had healed at recent follow up.

Conclusions: TTO is a useful procedure for exposure in 2nd stage revision TKA. TTO union is predictable(96%), despite technical complications. Recurrence of infection requiring further surgery did not compromise TTO results. Prior/concurrent extensor mechanism procedures were noted frequently.

Funding : Other Education Grant

Funding Parties : Wright Medical Technologies

Aims. Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are complex injuries around the knee caused by high- or low-energy trauma. In the present study, we aimed to define the distribution and frequency of TPF lines using a 3D mapping technique and analyze the rationalization of divisions employed by frequently used classifications. Methods. In total, 759 adult patients with 766 affected knees were retrospectively reviewed. The TPF fragments on CT were multiplanar reconstructed, and virtually reduced to match a 3D model of the proximal tibia. 3D heat mapping was subsequently created by graphically superimposing all fracture lines onto a tibia template. Results. The cohort included 405 (53.4%) cases with left knee injuries, 347 (45.7%) cases with right knee injuries, and seven (0.9%) cases with bilateral injuries. On mapping, the hot zones of the fracture lines were mainly concentrated around the anterior cruciate ligament insertion, posterior cruciate ligament insertion, and the inner part of the lateral condyle that extended to the junctional zone between Gerdy’s tubercle and the tibial tubercle. Moreover, the cold zones were scattered in the posteromedial fragment, superior tibiofibular syndesmosis, Gerdy’s tubercle, and tibial tubercle. TPFs with different Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO Foundation (OTA/AO) subtypes showed peculiar characteristics. Conclusion. TPFs occurred more frequently in the lateral and intermedial column than in the medial column. Fracture lines of tibial plateau occur frequently in the transition zone with marked changes in cortical thickness. According to 3D mapping, the four-column and nine-segment classification had a high degree of matching as compared to the frequently used classifications. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(6):258–267

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common cause of knee pain and disability in the paediatric population. Patella alta, lateralised tibial tubercle, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) deficiency, genu valgum and trochlear dysplasia are well known risk factors. A prospective database was created including patients referred through our physiotherapy pathway following first-time patella dislocation. Patella alta and lateralisation of the tibial tuberosity was treated with a Fulkerson-type tibial tubercle osteotomy(TTO). Medial patellofemoral ligament was reconstructed using quads tendon autograft pull-down technique. A modified Sheffield protocol was used postoperatively allowing weightbearing in a hinged knee brace. Forty patients were identified with 8 patients having bilateral presentations. Male to female ratio was 12:28 with an age range of 4–17 years. Eight patients had congenital PFI, five patients acquired PFI through traumatic patella dislocation and twenty-seven patients developed PFI from recurrent dislocations. Structural abnormalities were found in 38(95%) of patients. Patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index >1.2) was identified in 19(47%) patients, genu valgum in 12(30%) patients, increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance(TT-TG>20mm) was present in 9(22.5%) patients and persistent femoral anteversion(> 20 deg) in 7(17%) patients. Eight patients were treated with TTO and MPFL reconstruction, three patients with MPFL reconstruction alone and five patients had guided growth for genu valgum correction. Ten patients are awaiting surgery. No postoperative patients had recurrence of PFI at their latest follow up. PFI is a common problem in the adolescent paediatric population with identifiable structural abnormalities. Correcting structural pathology with surgery leads to predictable and safe outcomes

Recognized anatomic variations that lead to patella instability include patella alta and trochlea dysplasia. Lateralization of the extensor mechanism relative to the trochlea is often considered to be a contributing factor; however, controversy remains as to the degree this contributes to instability and how this should be measured. As the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) is one of most common imaging measurements to assess lateralization of the extensor mechanism, it is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Care needs to be taken while interpreting the TT-TG value as it is affected by many factors. Medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy is sometimes used to correct the TT-TG, but may not truly address the underlying anatomical problem. This review set out to determine whether the TT-TG distance sufficiently summarizes the pathoanatomy, and if this assists with planning of surgery in patellar instability. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):268–274