When and How Far to Move the Tibial Tuberosity in Patients With Patellar Instability

Abstract

The many factors contributing to patellar instability have led to various surgical techniques that are used commonly today. When surgery is deemed necessary, the operation should be tailored to the patient's specific pathoanatomy. Patients with malalignment can often be stabilized by moving the tibial tuberosity to a more medial, anteromedial, or distal position. Subsequent changes in the forces acting on the patellofemoral joint will depend on the direction and distance of the tuberosity repositioning. When planning tuberosity osteotomies, it is crucial to understand how to use clinical and imaging modalities to measure and quantify tuberosity position accurately to achieve the desired degree of realignment.