Combination of the medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with the quasi-anatomic technique, tibial tuberosity osteotomy, lateral retinaculum release and mosaicplasty produces satisfactory results for patients with patello-femoral instability. 2-Year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a combined surgical approach for treating complex patellofemoral instability. This approach combines four procedures: medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with the quasi-anatomic technique, lateral retinaculum release, anteromedialization and distalization of tibial tuberosity and patellar/femoral mosaicplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August and November 2021, we enrolled 27 patients in the study (21 females, 6 males, average age 28.6 years). All with patella alta, recurrent patellar instability, severe cartilage focal damage, and increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. All underwent the combined procedure during this period. We assessed their pain and functional scores before surgery and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery using standardized scoring systems. RESULTS: Patients initially reported significant pain and functional limitations. However, at 24 months, their pain scores significantly reduced, averaging 1.5 compared to 8.2 pre-surgery. Similarly, their functional scores substantially improved, with Lysholm, Tegner, Kujala, BPII scores reaching 87.44, 8.44, 90.03, 86.07 compared to 56.4, 3.7, 42.48, 23 pre-surgery, respectively. Importantly, no cases of recurrent instability occurred, and 96.3% of patients reported complete satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This combined surgical approach has a high rate of success for patients with patella alta, recurrent lateral patellar instability, severe focal chondral lesions, and increased TT-TG distance. Moreover, 26 out of 27 patients (96.3%) reported total satisfaction. Therefore, we conclude that although this procedure combination is not simple, it is a safe, reproducible, and alleviates pain at 24 months postoperatively, and significantly improves functional scores.

Corrección de la altura patelar en inestabilidad rotuliana / Correction of patellar height in patellofemoral instability

El manejo de la inestabilidad patelofemoral se basa en una adecuada evaluación de alteraciones anatómicas predisponentes. Patela alta es una de las causas más importantes de inestabilidad objetiva. La alteración biomecánica que ésta produce puede conducir a luxación patelar recurrente, dolor y cambios degenerativos focales. El examen físico es fundamental en la toma de decisiones. La evaluación imagenológica ha evolucionado desde métodos basados en radiografía hacia mediciones en resonancia magnética, que permiten una orientación más acabada de la relación existente entre la rótula y la tróclea femoral. El tratamiento se fundamenta en la corrección selectiva de los factores causales, donde la osteotomía de descenso de la tuberosidad anterior de la tibia y la reconstrucción del ligamento patelofemoral medial son herramientas que deben considerarse racionalmente. Este artículo realiza una revisión de la literatura, otorgando los fundamentos quirúrgicos que explican la importancia del tratamiento específico de patela alta en inestabilidad rotuliana.

Patellofemoral instability management is based on a thorough evaluation of predisposing anatomical factors. Patella alta is one of the utmost causes of objective instability. As a result, biomechanical disturbance can lead to recurrent patellar instability, pain, and focal degenerative changes. Physical examination is paramount in decision making. Imaging evaluation has evolved from X-rays based methods to magnetic resonance measurements, which allows a more accurate assessment of the patellotrochlear relationship. Treatment is based on a selective risk factors correction, where tibial tubercle distalization osteotomy and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction must be considered altogether. This article reviews the surgical rationale of patella alta treatment in patellofemoral instability.

Patellofemoral Dislocation Recurrence After a First Episode: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral patellar dislocation can become a recurrent problem after the first episode. Identifying those patients who are at increased risk of redislocation is important for the treatment decision-making process. PURPOSE: To identify clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrence of patellar dislocation after a first episode. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included patients with lateral patellar dislocation and a 1-year minimum follow-up who were seen between 2011 and 2018. Patients aged 10 to 65 years were included. Patient characteristics, physical examination (patellar apprehension, J sign), and radiographs were reviewed. The Caton-Deschamps and Insall-Salvati ratios were used to evaluate patella alta. High-grade trochlear dysplasia was defined as Dejour types B, C, and D. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (139 knees) with primary lateral patellar dislocation were included. Recurrent dislocation was seen in 83 knees (59.71%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Caton-Deschamps ratio ≥1.15 (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.09-5.22; P = .029), age <21 years (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.11-5.77; P = .027), and high-grade trochlear dysplasia (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.90-9.17; P < .001) were significantly associated with patellar redislocation. Based on the presence of these factors, the probability of dislocation after a first lateral patellar dislocation was 31.2% with no factors present, 36.6% with any 1 factor present, 71.7% with any 2 factors present, and 86.2% if all 3 conditions were present. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that patella alta, high-grade trochlear dysplasia, and age <21 years were independent risk factors for patellar redislocation after a first episode, with an additive effect when they were present together. This may help to guide the type of treatment for these patients.