Aims. Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) facilitates surgical exposure and protects the extensor mechanism during revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of bony union, complications, and reoperations following TTO during rTKA, to assess the functional outcomes of rTKA with TTO at two years’ minimum follow-up, and to identify the risk factors of failure. Methods. Between January 2010 and September 2020, 695 rTKAs were performed and data were entered into a prospective database. Inclusion criteria were rTKAs with concomitant TTO, without extensor mechanism allograft, and a minimum of two years’ follow-up. A total of 135 rTKAs were included, with a mean age of 65 years (SD 9.0) and a mean BMI of 29.8 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.7). The most frequent indications for revision were infection (50%; 68/135), aseptic loosening (25%; 34/135), and stiffness (13%; 18/135). Patients had standardized follow-up at six weeks, three months, six months, and annually thereafter. Complications and revisions were evaluated at the last follow-up. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion. Results. The mean follow-up was 51 months (SD 26; 24 to 121). Bony union was confirmed in 95% of patients (128/135) at a mean of 3.4 months (SD 2.7). The complication rate was 15% (20/135), consisting of nine tibial tubercle fracture displacements (6.7%), seven nonunions (5%), two delayed unions, one tibial fracture, and one wound dehiscence. Seven patients (5%) required eight revision procedures (6%): three bone grafts, three osteosyntheses, one extensor mechanism allograft, and one wound revision. The functional scores and flexion were significantly improved after surgery: mean KSS knee, 48.8 (SD 17) vs 79.6 (SD 20; p < 0.001); mean KSS function, 37.6 (SD 21) vs 70.2 (SD 30; p < 0.001); mean flexion, 81.5° (SD 33°) vs 93° (SD 29°; p = 0.004). Overall, 98% of patients (n = 132) had no extension deficit. The use of hinge implants was a significant risk factor for tibial tubercle fracture (p = 0.011). Conclusion. TTO during rTKA was an efficient procedure to improve knee exposure with a high union rate, but had significant specific complications. Functional outcomes were improved at mid term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1078–1085

The lateral subvastus approach combined with an osteotomy of the tibial tubercle is a recognised, but rarely used approach for total knee replacement (TKR). A total of 32 patients undergoing primary TKR was randomised into two groups, in one of which the lateral subvastus approach combined with a tibial tubercle osteotomy and in the other the medial parapatellar approach were used. The patients were assessed radiologically and clinically using measurement of the range of movement, a visual analogue patient satisfaction score, the Western Ontario McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index and the American Knee Society score. Four patients were lost to the complete follow-up at two years. At two years there were no significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters for clinical outcome. In the lateral approach group there was one complication due to displacement of the tibial tubercle osteotomy and two osteotomies took more than six months to unite. In the medial approach group, one patient had a partial tear of the quadriceps. There was a significantly greater incidence of lateral patellar subluxation in the medial approach group (3 of 12) compared with the lateral approach group (0 of 16) (p = 0.034), but without any apparent clinical detriment. We conclude that the lateral approach with tibial tubercle osteotomy is a safe technique with an outcome comparable with that of the medial parapatellar approach for TKR, but the increased surgical time and its specific complications do not support its routine use. It would seem to be more appropriate to reserve this technique for patients in whom problems with patellar tracking are anticipated

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

An abnormal lateral position of the tibial tuberosity causes distal malalignment of the extensor mechanism of the knee and can lead to lateral tracking of the patella causing anterior knee pain or objective patellar instability, characterised by recurrent dislocation. Computer tomography is used for a precise pre-operative assessment of the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. A distance of more than 15 mm is considered to be pathological and an indication for surgery in symptomatic patients. In a prospective study we performed a subtle transfer of the tibial tuberosity according to the information gained from the pre-operative CT scan. This method was applied to two groups of patients, those with painful lateral tracking of the patella, and those with objective patellar instability. We evaluated the clinical results in 30 patients in each group. The outcome was documented at 3, 12 and 24 months using the Lysholm scale, the Kujala score, and a visual analogue pain score. Post-operatively, all but one patient in the instability group who had a patellar dislocation requiring further surgery reported good improvement with no further subluxation or dislocation. All patients in both groups had a marked improvement in pain and functional score. Two patients sustained a tibial fracture six and seven weeks after surgery. One patient suffered a per-operative fracture of the tibial tubercle which later required further fixation. If carefully performed, this type of transfer of the tibial tubercle appears to be a satisfactory technique for the treatment of patients with an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance and who present with symptoms related to lateral maltracking of the patella

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with and without proximalisation of the tibial tubercle in patients with a failed primary TKA who have pseudo patella baja. Patients and Methods. All revision TKAs, performed between January 2008 and November 2013 at a tertiary referral University Orthopaedic Department were retrospectively reviewed. Pseudo patella baja was defined using the modified Insall-Salvati and the Blackburne-Peel ratios. A proximalisation of the tibial tubercle was performed in 13 patients with pseudo patella baja who were matched with a control group of 13 patients for gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, length of surgery and Blackburne-Peel ratio. Outcome was assessed two years post-operatively using the Knee Society Score (KSS). Results. The increase in KSS was significantly higher in the osteotomy group compared with the control group. The outcome was statistically better in patients in whom proximalisation of > 1 cm had been achieved compared with those in whom the proximalisation was < 1 cm. Conclusion. In this retrospective case-control study, a proximal transfer of the tibial tubercle at revision TKA in patients with pseudo patella baja gives good outcomes without major complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:912–16

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

We have reviewed 16 patients with avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle, mostly boys who sustained left-sided injuries during sport. Two-thirds had type I or II injuries and were treated conservatively. Fractures involving the knee joint (type III) had internal fixation. The final results were good except for minor complications such as a prominent and uncomfortable tibial tubercle

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

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

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

We present the ten- to 15-year follow-up of 31 patients (34 knees), who underwent an Elmslie-Trillat tibial tubercle osteotomy for chronic, severe patellar instability, unresponsive to non-operative treatment. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 31 years (18 to 46) and they were reviewed post-operatively, at four years (2 to 8) and then at 12 years (10 to 15). All patients had pre-operative knee radiographs and Cox and Insall knee scores. Superolateral portal arthroscopy was performed per-operatively to document chondral damage and after the osteotomy to assess the stability of the patellofemoral joint. A total of 28 knees (82%) had a varying degree of damage to the articular surface. At final follow-up 25 patients (28 knees) were available for review and underwent clinical examination, radiographs of the knee, and Cox and Insall scoring. Six patients who had no arthroscopic chondral abnormality showed no or only early signs of osteoarthritis on final radiographs; while 12 patients with lower grade chondral damage (grade 1 to 2) showed early to moderate signs of osteoarthritis and six out of ten knees with higher grade chondral damage (grade 3 to 4) showed marked evidence of osteoarthritis; four of these had undergone a knee replacement. In the 22 patients (24 knees) with complete follow-up, 19 knees (79.2%) were reported to have a good or excellent outcome at four years, while 15 knees (62.5%) were reported to have the same at long-term follow-up. The functional and radiological results show that the extent of pre-operatively sustained chondral damage is directly related to the subsequent development of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:478–85

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