Aims. The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on the diagnosis, nonoperative management, and indications, if any, for medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) repair in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi approach. Methods. A total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries were invited to develop consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest within patellar instability. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered to be unanimous. Results. Of 27 questions and statements on patellar instability, three achieved unanimous consensus, 14 achieved strong consensus, five achieved consensus, and five did not achieve consensus. Conclusion. The statements that reached unanimous consensus were that an assessment of physeal status is critical for paediatric patients with patellar instability. There was also unanimous consensus on early mobilization and resistance training following nonoperative management once there is no apprehension. The statements that did not achieve consensus were on the importance of immobilization of the knee, the use of orthobiologics in nonoperative management, the indications for MPFC repair, and whether a vastus medialis oblique advancement should be performed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1259–1264

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process. Methods. This was the second part of a study dealing with these aspects of management in these patients. As in part I, a total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries contributed to the development of consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered unanimous. Results. Of 41 questions and statements on patellar instability, none achieved unanimous consensus, 19 achieved strong consensus, 15 achieved consensus, and seven did not achieve consensus. Conclusion. Most statements reached some degree of consensus, without any achieving unanimous consensus. There was no consensus on the use of anchors in MPFL reconstruction, and the order of fixation of the graft (patella first versus femur first). There was also no consensus on the indications for trochleoplasty or its effect on the viability of the cartilage after elevation of the osteochondral flap. There was also no consensus on postoperative immobilization or weightbearing, or whether paediatric patients should avoid an early return to sport. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1265–1270

Patellar instability most frequently presents during adolescence. Congenital and infantile dislocation of the patella is a distinct entity from adolescent instability and measurable abnormalities may be present at birth. In the normal patellofemoral joint an increase in quadriceps angle and patellar height are matched by an increase in trochlear depth as the joint matures. Adolescent instability may herald a lifelong condition leading to chronic disability and arthritis. Restoring normal anatomy by trochleoplasty, tibial tubercle transfer or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the young adult prevents further instability. Although these techniques are proven in the young adult, they may cause growth arrest and deformity where the physis is open. A vigorous non-operative strategy may permit delay of surgery until growth is complete. Where non-operative treatment has failed a modified MPFL reconstruction may be performed to maintain stability until physeal closure permits anatomical reconstruction. If significant growth remains an extraosseous reconstruction of the MPFL may impart the lowest risk to the physis. If minor growth remains image intensifier guided placement of femoral intraosseous fixation may impart a small, but acceptable, risk to the physis. This paper presents and discusses the literature relating to adolescent instability and provides a framework for management of these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:159–70

Hypermobility is an acknowledged risk factor for patellar instability. In this case control study the influence of hypermobility on clinical outcome following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellar instability was studied. A total of 25 patients with hypermobility as determined by the Beighton criteria were assessed and compared with a control group of 50 patients who were matched for age, gender, indication for surgery and degree of trochlear dysplasia. The patients with hypermobility had a Beighton Score of ≥ 6; the control patients had a score of < 4. All patients underwent MPFL reconstruction performed using semitendinosus autograft and a standardised arthroscopically controlled technique. The mean age of the patients was 25 years (17 to 49) and the mean follow-up was 15 months (6 to 30). Patients with hypermobility had a significant improvement in function following surgery, with reasonable rates of satisfaction, perceived improvement, willingness to repeat and likelihood of recommendation. Functional improvements were significantly less than in control patients (p < 0.01). Joint hypermobility is not a contraindication to MPFL reconstruction although caution is recommended in managing the expectations of patients with hypermobility before consideration of surgery

The management of osteoarthritis of the knee associated with patellar instability secondary to external tibial torsion > 45° is challenging. Patellofemoral biomechanics in these patients cannot be achieved by intra-articular correction using standard techniques of total knee replacement. We reviewed seven patients (eight knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation and one with bilateral irreducible lateral dislocation who had undergone simultaneous total knee replacement and internal tibial derotational osteotomy. All had osteoarthritis and severe external tibial torsion. The mean follow-up was for 47.2 months (24 to 120). The mean objective and functional Knee Society scores improved significantly (p = 0.0001) from 29.7 and 41.5 pre-operatively to 71.4 and 73.5 post-operatively, respectively. In all patients the osteotomies healed and patellar stability was restored. Excessive external tibial torsion should be identified and corrected in patients with osteoarthritis and patellar instability. Simultaneous internal rotation osteotomy of the tibia and total knee replacement is a technically demanding but effective treatment for such patients

Aims. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femoral condyle in patients with trochlear dysplasia and lateral patellar instability. Methods. A total of 90 patients (64 female, 26 male; mean age 22.1 years (SD 7.2)) with lateral patellar dislocation and trochlear dysplasia who were awaiting surgical treatment between January 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent CT scans of the lower limb to assess the femoral torsion and morphology of the distal femur. The femoral torsion at various levels was assessed using the a) femoral anteversion angle (FAA), b) proximal and distal anteversion angle, c) angle of the proximal femoral axis-anatomical epicondylar axis (PFA-AEA), and d) angle of the AEA–posterior condylar line (AEA-PCL). Representative measurements of distal condylar length were taken and parameters using the ratios of the bianterior condyle, biposterior condyle, bicondyle, anterolateral condyle, and anteromedial condyle were calculated and correlated with reference to the AEA, using the Pearson Correlation coefficient. Results. The femoral torsion had a strong correlation with distal condylar morphology. The FAA was significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.355; p = 0.009), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.340; p = 0.001) and the ratio of the anterolateral condyle and lateral condyle (ALC-LC) (r = 0.309; p = 0.014). The PFA-AEA angle was also significantly correlated with the ratio of the bianterior condyle (r = 0.319; p = 0.008), the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.231; p = 0.031), and the ratio of ALC-LC (r = 0.261; p = 0.034). In addition, the bianterior condyle ratio showed a significant correlation with the biposterior condyle ratio (r = -0.324; p = 0.027) and the AEA-PCL angle (r = 0.342; p = 0.021). Conclusion. Increased femoral torsion correlated with a prominent anterolateral condyle and a shorter posterolateral condyle compared with the medial condyle. The deformities of the anterior and posterior condyles are combined deformities rather than being isolated and individual deformities in patients with trochlear dysplasia and patella instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):868–873

Minor degrees of malalignment of the patella and anatomical abnormalities including a flattened sulcus angle and an increased ratio between patellar tendon length and patellar length (PT:P) have been suggested as predisposing factors in the causation of chondromalacia patellae, as well as patellar instability. In order to confirm or refute this hypothesis a prospective study has been performed comparing the congruence and sulcus angles and the PT:P ratio in a group of 35 patients with chondromalacia confirmed by arthroscopy and a group of 33 patients with instability, with those of a group of 50 knees in normal volunteers. While there was a statistically significant correlation between an increased sulcus and congruence angle and a high-riding patella in patients with instability, no correlation could be identified in patients with idiopathic chondromalacia

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

A simple procedure of using a Smillie knife to release the lateral patellar retinaculum and the capsule in the unstable patella syndrome is described. The syndrome includes recurrent dislocation, recurrent subluxation and acute dislocation of the patella. Arthroscopy, to exclude any other pathology such as chondromalacia patellae, is performed before proceeding to closed lateral release. The results of this procedure are as good as those after more major surgical procedures. In a small percentage of patients a second operation such as tibial tubercle transfer or patellectomy may be necessary, especially in patients with an underlying congenital abnormality; but in many patients this type of major surgery has proved unnecessary.

An increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is related to patellar maltracking and instability. Tibial tubercle transfer is a common treatment option for these patients with good short-term results, although the results can deteriorate over time owing to the progression of osteoarthritis. We present a ten-year follow-up study of a self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy in 60 knees, 30 with maltracking and 30 with patellar instability. Inclusion criteria were a TT-TG ≥ 15 mm and symptoms for > one year. One patient (one knee) was lost to follow-up and one required total knee arthroplasty because of progressive osteoarthritis. Further patellar dislocations occurred in three knees, all in the instability group, one of which required further surgery. The mean visual analogue scores for pain, and Lysholm and Kujala scores improved significantly and were maintained at the final follow-up (repeated measures, p = 0.000, intergroup differences p = 0.449). Signs of maltracking were found in only a minority of patients, with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). An increase in patellofemoral osteoarthritis was seen in 16 knees (31%) with a maximum of grade 2 on the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. The mean increase in grades was 0.31 (0 to 2) and 0.41 (0 to 2) in the maltracking and instability groups respectively (p = 0.2285)

This self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy provides good results at ten years’ follow-up without inducing progressive osteoarthritis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:329–36.

Aims. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is an MRI-specific assessment tool to grade trochlear dysplasia. The aim of this study is to validate clinically the OBC by demonstrating its use in selecting treatments that are safe and effective. Methods. The OBC and the patellotrochlear index were used as part of the Oswestry Patellotrochlear Algorithm (OPTA) to guide the surgical treatment of patients with patellar instability. Patients were assigned to one of four treatment groups: medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr); MPFLr + tibial tubercle distalization (TTD); trochleoplasty; or trochleoplasty + TTD. A prospective analysis of a longitudinal patellofemoral database was performed. Between 2012 and 2018, 202 patients (233 knees) with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD 8.1), with recurrent patellar instability were treated by two fellowship-trained consultant sports/knee surgeons at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Clinical efficacy of each treatment group was assessed by Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) scores at baseline, and up to 60 months postoperatively. Their safety was assessed by complication rate and requirement for further surgery. The pattern of clinical outcome over time was analyzed using mixed regression modelling. Results. In all, 135 knees (mean age 24.9 years (SD 9.4)) were treated using a MPFLr. Ten knees (7.4%) required additional surgery. A total of 50 knees (mean age 24.4 years (SD 6.3)) were treated using MPFLr + TTD. Ten (20%) required additional surgery. A total of 20 knees (mean age 19.5 years (SD 3.0)) were treated using trochleoplasty + TTD. Three patients (15%) required additional surgery. In each treatment group, there was a significant improvement in Kujala, IKDC, and EQ-5D at one year postoperatively (p < 0.001) with a recognized level of overall complication rate. Conclusion. The OBC is a valid assessment tool to grade patients with trochlear dysplasia and, when used as part of the OPTA, helps to determine treatments that are safe and effective. This fulfils the requirements for its application in mainstream clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1586–1594

The February 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360. looks at: Trends in management of paediatric distal radius buckle fractures; Pelvic osteotomy in patients with previous sacral-alar-iliac fixation; Sacral-alar-iliac fixation in patients with previous pelvic osteotomy; Idiopathic toe walking: an update on natural history, diagnosis, and treatment; A prediction model for treatment decisions in distal radial physeal injuries: a multicentre retrospective study; Angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis for leg length discrepancy; MRI assessment of anterior coverage is predictive of future radiological coverage; Predictive scoring for recurrent patellar instability after a first-time patellar dislocation

The February 2024 Knee Roundup. 360. looks at: Do patients with hypoallergenic total knee arthroplasty implants for metal allergy do worse? An analysis of healthcare utilizations and patient-reported outcome measures; Defining a successful total knee arthroplasty; Incidence, microbiological studies, and factors associated with periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty; A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability; Cause for concern? Significant cement coverage in retrieved metaphyseal cones after revision total knee arthroplasty; Prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury remains high despite advances in surgical techniques; Cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in patients aged under 45 years

Evaluating musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb and understanding the pathophysiology of complex bone kinematics is challenging. Static images do not take into account the dynamic component of relative bone motion and muscle activation. Fluoroscopy and dynamic MRI have important limitations. Dynamic CT (4D-CT) is an emerging alternative that combines high spatial and temporal resolution, with an increased availability in clinical practice. 4D-CT allows simultaneous visualization of bone morphology and joint kinematics. This unique combination makes it an ideal tool to evaluate functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In the lower limb, 4D-CT has been used to diagnose femoroacetabular impingement, patellofemoral, ankle and subtalar joint instability, or reduced range of motion. 4D-CT has also been used to demonstrate the effect of surgery, mainly on patellar instability. 4D-CT will need further research and validation before it can be widely used in clinical practice. We believe, however, it is here to stay, and will become a reference in the diagnosis of lower limb conditions and the evaluation of treatment options. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):822–827

Aims. The Bereiter trochleoplasty has been used in our unit for 12 years to manage recurrent patellar instability in patients with severe trochlea dysplasia. The aim of this study was to document the outcome of a large consecutive cohort of patients who have undergone this operation. Patients and Methods. Between June 2002 and August 2013, 214 consecutive trochleoplasties were carried out in 185 patients. There were 133 women and 52 men with a mean age of 21.3 years (14 to 38). All patients were offered yearly clinical and radiological follow-up. They completed the following patient reported outcome scores (PROMs): International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scale, the Kujala score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score and the short-form (SF)-12. . Results. Outcomes were available for 199 trochleoplasties in 173 patients giving a 93% follow-up rate at a mean of 4.43 years (1 to 12). There were no infections or deep vein thromboses. In total, 16 patients reported further patella dislocation, giving an 8.3% rate of recurrence. There were 27 re-operations, giving a rate of re-operation of 14%. Overall, 88% were satisfied with the operation and 90% felt that their symptoms had been improved. . Conclusion. All PROMs improved significantly post-operatively except for the mental component score of the SF-12. Trochleoplasty performed using a flexible osteochondral flap is an effective treatment for recurrent patellar instability in patients with severe trochlea dysplasia and gives good results in the medium term. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:344–50

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

Objective patellar instability has been correlated with dysplasia of the femoral trochlea. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that trochleoplasty would increase patellar stability and normalise the kinematics of a knee with a dysplastic trochlea. Six fresh-frozen knees were loaded via the heads of the quadriceps. The patella was displaced 10 mm laterally and the displacing force was measured from 0° to 90° of flexion. Patellar tracking was measured from 0° to 130° of knee flexion using magnetic sensors. These tests were repeated after raising the central anterior trochlea to simulate dysplasia, and repeated again after performing a trochleoplasty on each specimen. The simulated dysplasia significantly reduced stability from that of the normal knee (p < 0.001). Trochleoplasty significantly increased the stability (p < 0.001), so that it did not then differ significantly from the normal knee (p = 0.244). There were small but statistically significant changes in patellar tracking (p< 0.001). This study has provided objective biomechanical data to support the use of trochleoplasty in the treatment of patellar instability associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia

The August 2015 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360 . looks at: Learning the Pavlik; MRI and patellar instability; Cerebral palsy and hip dysplasia; ‘Pick your poison’: elastic nailing under the spotlight; Club feet and surgery; Donor site morbidity in vascularised fibular grafting; Cartilage biochemistry with hip dysplasia; SUFE and hip decompression: a good option?

Patellofemoral complications are common after total knee replacement (TKR). Leaving the patellar unsurfaced after TKR may lead to complications such as anterior knee pain, and re-operation to surface it. Complications after patellar resurfacing include patellar fracture, aseptic loosening, patellar instability, polyethylene wear, patellar clunk and osteonecrosis. Historically, patellar complications account for one of the larger proportions of causes of failure in TKR, however, with contemporary implant designs, complication rates have decreased. Most remaining failures relate to patellofemoral tracking. Understanding the causes of patellofemoral maltracking is essential to prevent these complications as well as manage them when they occur. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):84–6

Trochlear dysplasia is an important anatomical abnormality in symptomatic patellar instability. Our study assessed the mismatch between the bony and cartilaginous morphology in patients with a dysplastic trochlea compared with a control group. MRI scans of 25 knees in 23 patients with trochlear dysplasia and in 11 patients in a randomly selected control group were reviewed retrospectively in order to assess the morphology of the cartilaginous and bony trochlea. Inter- and intra-observer error was assessed. In the dysplastic group there were 15 women and eight men with a mean age of 20.4 years (14 to 30). The mean bony sulcus angle was 167.9° (141° to 203°), whereas the mean cartilaginous sulcus angle was 186.5° (152° to 214°; p < 0.001). In 74 of 75 axial images (98.7%) the cartilaginous contour was different from the osseous contour on subjective assessment, the cartilage exacerbated the abnormality. Our study shows that the morphology of the cartilaginous trochlea differs markedly from that of the underlying bony trochlea in patients with trochlear dysplasia. MRI is necessary in order to demonstrate the pathology and to facilitate surgical planning