title: Modified technique for tibial tubercle elevation with realignment for patellofemoral pain. A preliminary report.
abstract: Malalignment of the quadriceps mechanism was corrected and the tibial tuberosity elevated in 17 knees in 16 patients without the use of a free bone graft. The indications for operation were patellofemoral pain unresponsive to conservative treatment, recurrent subluxation or dislocation of the patella, and patients who had had a previous patellectomy with subsequent lateral subluxation of the patella tendon associated with pain. A bone block including the attachment of the patellar tendon is transposed medially to correct the quadriceps angle (Q-angle), elevate the tibial tuberosity, and thereby decrease patellofemoral pressure. A prerequisite for this procedure is a Q-angle of 20 degrees or more. The average age of the patients was 29 years. The follow-up period was one to four years. Eighty-five percent of the patients had an excellent or good result. The only complication was a stress fracture, which developed in one bone block.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of the Witwaterstrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Noll
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ben-Itzhak
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rossouw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D010329:Patella / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*