Long-term evaluation of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure for patellar instability: a 26-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Few published articles exist reporting the long-term evaluation of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the long-term effect of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure in preventing recurrent subluxation and dislocation of the patella.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
Eighteen patients who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure for dislocation or subluxation of the patella were identified from a group previously evaluated at a mean follow-up of 3 years. The prevalence of recurrent subluxation or dislocation at a mean follow-up of 26 years was compared with the prevalence reported at the mean follow-up of 3 years. Although not the focus of this study, Cox functional scores were obtained from the smaller group and compared with the results at the 3-year follow-up.


RESULTS
Seven percent (95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.32) of the patients had recurrent subluxation at 26 years compared with 7% (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.13) of the study population reported at 3 years (P = 1.00). Fifty-four percent (95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.79) rated their affected knee as good or excellent at 26 years compared with 73% (95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.81) of the larger study population reported at 3 years (P = .14).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of recurrent subluxation and dislocation in patients with patellofemoral malalignment who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure for dislocation or subluxation of the patella is similar at 3 and 26 years after the procedure. The long-term functional status of the affected knee in patients who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure declined.
Naval Medical Center, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USA. jrcarney@nmcsd.med.navy.mil
Joseph R
JR
Carney
Timothy S
TS
Mologne
Michael
M
Muldoon
Jay S
JS
Cox
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D031222:Patellar Dislocation / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence