What is it?
Tibial tubercle osteotomy is a procedure designed to treat a number of conditions. Such conditions include patellar instability, patellofemoral pain, and osteoarthritis. The procedure is considered generally safe. It allows for optimal access and exposure during a primary or revision total knee arthroplasty. Tibial tubercle osteotomy may be deemed necessary in patients with whom non-surgical treatments were proven to be ineffective. The surgery’s desired outcome is the removal of painful portions of the kneecap and, subsequently, a significant reduction of pain in the patient’s affected area.
How is it Performed?
The surgeon will first inspect the inside portion of the knee joint using arthroscopic methods. Small incisions are made so that an arthroscopic camera and small surgical instrumentation are able to gain access to the patella. The surgeon will make a cut across the upper part of the tibia just behind the tibial tubercle. This cut on the tibia will allow the tibial tubercle to be repositioned to a better location. Once repositioned, the tubercle will be fixed back on to the upper part of the tibia using screws to do so. These screws will hold the cut bone until the tibia fully heals. Removal of these screws is not necessary. Once completed, the surgeon can close the incision.
