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.

Tubérculo de Gerdy: una estructura olvidada en la terminología anatómica internacional / Gerdy's tubercle: a forgotten structure in the international anatomical terminology

En la enseñanza de la anatomía, el uso de los epónimos es cada vez más escaso, sin embargo su uso aún es evidente incluso en la literatura actualizada, en este caso el uso del epónimo se acompaña generalmente del término correcto según la Terminología Anatómica Internacional (TAI). El denominado "Tubérculo de Gerdy" (TG) es un epónimo ampliamente usado en la literatura y la comunidad científica para denominar un reparo óseo ubicado en el cóndilo lateral de la tibia, corresponde a un referente anatómico y clínico importante para inserción de músculos, ligamentos y procedimientos medicoquirúrgicos de la rodilla. A pesar de esta amplia denominación, y en comparación con otros epónimos, la TAI no la incluye y no relaciona algún término oficial con esta estructura anatómica. El objetivo del trabajo fue revisar libros usados en la enseñanza de la anatomía y artículos científicos actualizados para ver la presencia y descripción de esta estructura a fin de proponer un término que se ajuste a los principios básicos de la Terminología Anatómica Internacional en concordancia con la tarea del Programa Federativo Internacional de Terminología Anatómica (FIPAT), organismo de la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Anatomistas (IFAA). El TG se describe como una estructura ubicada entre la tuberosidad de la tibia y la cabeza de la fíbula, refiriéndose a él con sinónimos como tubérculo del músculo tibial anterior, tubérculo del músculo tensor de la fascia lata, tubérculo del tracto iliotibial y tubérculo anterolateral de la tibia. En revistas morfológicas aparece en artículos actuales relacionados al ligamento anterolateral. Según la descripción de la literatura proponemos como término anatómico para esta estructura "Tuberculum anterolateralis tibiae", cuya traducción es usada como sinónimo por otros autores, ajustándose así a los principios básicos de la TAI. Pretendemos que estos antecedentes sean discutidos por los expertos que conforman el FIPAT.

In teaching anatomy, the use of eponyms is increasingly scarce. Nonetheless, eponyms remain evident in updated literature, in this case the use of the eponym is accompanied by the correct term according to the International Anatomical terminology (TAI) Gerdy´s tubercle (GT) is an eponym widely used in the literature and scientific community to name a lateral tubercle of the tibia. It is an insertion site of muscles and ligaments and an important anatomical reference in knee surgical procedures. Despite its importance, it is not included in the International Anatomical Terminology (IAT) and an official name for this structure is lacking. The aim of this work was to review classic books used in the anatomy teaching and recent scientific papers, and further, to propose an anatomical term for the Gerdy tubercle that fit IAT basic principles, in agreement with the International Federal Program of Anatomical Terminology (IFPAT), and organism that is part of the International Federation of Anatomist Associations (IFAA). The TG is described as a structure located between the tuberosity of the tibia and the head of the fibula, referring to it with synonyms such as tubercle of the anterior tibia, tubercle of the tensor fascia lata, tubercle of iliotibial tract and anterolateral tibial tubercle. In morphological journals it appears in current articles related to the anterolateral ligament. We propose as an anatomical term for the Gerdy´s tubercle the name of "Tuberculum anterolteralis tibiae" its translation is used as a synonym by other authors and fits the basic principles of TAI. We hope that this information be considered by the experts that make up the FIPAT.

Combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization for recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization for the recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta. Methods: Between April 2010 and May 2016, 14 cases of recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta were treated with combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization. There were 5 males and 9 females with an average age of 18.5 years (range, 13-26 years). The left knee was involved in 9 cases and the right knee in 5 cases. The patella had dislocated 3.3 times on average (range, 2-5 times). The interval between the first dislocation and admission was 19.7 months on average (range, 4-60 months), and the main symptoms were knee pain and limited knee movement. Preoperative X-ray films, CT, and MRI examinations of knee joint showed that the epiphyseal plate closed in all patients. Of all patients, 3 patients had avulsion fracture of the inner edge of patella, and 2 patients had free body in articular cavity. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, patellar-trochlear-groove distance, Caton-Deschamps index, knee range of motion (ROM), Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, and Tegner score were compared pre- and post-operation. Results: All patients had primary wound healing. All patients were followed up 24-72 months with an average of 34.6 months. X-ray film and CT examination showed that the patellar dislocation was corrected and the osteotomy of the tibial tubercle healed with an average healing time of 3.8 months (range, 3-5 month). At 1 day and 1 year after operation, the TT-TG distance, patellar-trochlear-groove distance, and Caton-Deschamps index showed significant differences when compared with preoperative values ( P0.05). At the 1 year and 2 years after operation, the knee ROM, Lysholm score, IKDC score, Kujala score, and Tegner score showed significant differences when compared with preoperative values ( P0.05). Conclusion: Combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization is a safe and reliable method, which has satisfactory short-term effectiveness for the recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta.

Tibial tubercle fracture associated with distal rupture of the patellar tendon: case report / Fratura da tuberosidade anterior da tíbia associada à ruptura distal do tendão patelar: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Avulsion of the tibial tubercle is an uncommon injury that occurs in the young athlete, resulting from an eccentric contraction of the extensor mechanism with the leg fixed to the ground. Concomitant injuries to the patellar tendon are very rare, with few cases reported in the literature. The authors present a case of a 15-year-old basketball player who suffered an avulsion of the tibial tubercle associated with complete distal rupture of the patellar tendon while training. It was treated with open reduction of the tibial fragment and reconstruction of the patellar tendon with mini-anchors and cannulated screws, as well as hamstring autograft tendon reinforcement. The patient showed excellent results and returned to sports after 12 months of follow-up.

RESUMO A fratura-avulsão da tuberosidade anterior da tíbia é uma lesão incomum que ocorre no jovem atleta, resultado de uma contração excêntrica do mecanismo extensor do joelho com o membro inferior fixo ao solo. Lesões concomitantes ao tendão patelar são muito raras, com poucos casos relatados na literatura. Os autores apresentam o caso de um atleta de basquete de 15 anos que sofreu uma fratura-avulsão da tuberosidade anterior da tíbia associada à ruptura completa distal do tendão patelar durante movimento de arremesso no treino esportivo. O paciente foi tratado com redução aberta da fratura e reparo do tendão patelar com miniâncoras e parafuso poste com reforço tendinoso com enxerto autólogo de semitendíneo. O paciente apresentou ótimos resultados e retornou ao esporte após 12 meses de acompanhamento.

Therapeutic effects of comprehensive surgery for recurrent patellar instability in adults / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical effect of medial patellofemoral ligament(MPFL)reconstruction combined with the com-prehensive surgery of anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer and distal shift in the treatment of recurrent patellar instability.Methods The clin-ical data of 60 patients(60 affected knees)with recurrent patellar instability who were admitted to the orthopedics department of Mianyang central hospital in Sichuan Province from April 2012 to September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were examined with knee arthroscopy,lower extremity X-ray,CT and MRI,and they were treated with MPFL reconstruction combined with anteromedial tibial tu -bercle transfer and distal shift comprehensive surgery.All patients were followed up for at least 1 year after operation.The physical indexes, imaging examination indexes and evaluation results of knee function were analyzed before operation and at the last follow -up.Results The follow-up of 60 patients showed that the results of fear test were negative,results of patellar tilt test were symmetrical,and the Q angle re-turned to normal.The activities of flexion and extension were significantly improved,and there was no fractures or dislocation of the patella. Imaging examination showed that the patellofemoral joint was well positioned.At the last follow-up,the patellofemoral congruence angle,de-gree of patellar out-shift and lateral patellar angle of the 60 patients were significantly decreased,and the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove dis-tance(TT-TG)was also significantly decreased,the differences were significant(P<0.05),and they basically returned to the normal range. At the last follow-up,the Lysholm score and Kujala score were significantly higher than those before operation,the differences were significant (P<0.05).Conclusion The clinical effect of MPFL reconstruction combined with anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer and distal shift com -prehensive surgery is satisfying in the treatment of recurrent patellar instability,which has great significance for relieving symptoms and resto-ring the function of the knee.

Tibial Tubercle Proximalization for the Treatment of Severe Habitual Dislocation of Patella: A Retrospective Study / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of tibial tubercle proximalization in the treatment of patients with severe habitual dislocation of patella (HDP).Methods Among 51 HDP patients treated surgically in our hospital between April 2010 and 2014,28 were eligible for retrospective evaluation.All patients underwent tibial tubercle proximalization and lateral structure release.Additional surgeries included medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL)reconstruction and tibial tubercle medialization.Radiological and subjective evaluations were performed at 4th and 8th weeks after the operation,as well as 1 year and every year afterwards.Results Twenty-eight patients,with an average age of (27.2 ± 9.4)(ranging from 18 to 39)were followed up for a minimum of 2 years,the mean follow-up period being (26.4 ± 5.8)months (ranging from 24 to 36).It was found 17.2％ (5/29) patients of quadriceps weakness,6.9％ (2/29)of patellofemoral pain and 6.9％ (2/29)of stiffness.No redislocation was reported.Significant improvement was observed in all subjective evaluation scores.Conclusions For patients with severe HDP,tibial tubercle proximalization can achieve satisfactory results.

Tratamiento de la inestabilidad femoropatelar objetiva / Treatment of objective patellofemoral instability

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es presentar los diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos en el tratamiento de las inestabilidades femoropatelares objetivas, como la osteotomía de la tuberosidad tibial anterior y la trocleoplastia femoral. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizó el Índice de Caton-Deschamps para evaluar la altura rotuliana, la distancia desde la tuberosidad tibial anterior hasta la tróclea femoral en la tomografía computarizada, en el plano axial, y los morfotipos troclear y rotuliano. Se incluyeron 11 pacientes (11 rodillas) tratados por inestabilidad femoropatelar objetiva y documentada. Resultados: Los resultados fueron satisfactorios tanto con la transferencia de la tuberosidad tibial anterior como con la trocleoplastia. En ambos procedimientos, se realizó una reconstrucción del ligamento femoropatelar medial. La recurrencia de la inestabilidad es muy rara después de estos procedimientos y es más probable que sea secundaria a anomalías asociadas no diagnosticadas. Conclusión: Se requiere una planificación preoperatoria precisa para determinar la altura rotuliana, la ubicación de la tuberosidad tibial anterior, y los morfotipos troclear y rotuliano para lograr resultados satisfactorios. De todas formas y, como cualquier procedimiento quirúrgico, tanto las osteotomías de la tuberosidad tibial anterior, como la trocleoplastia pueden causar complicaciones.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to show the different surgical procedures for treating the objective patellar instability, including the different tibial tubercle osteotomies and the sulcus deepening trochleoplasty. Methods: This study analyzed the Caton-Deschamps index used for assessment of patellar height, the distance from the tibial tubercle to the troclear groove on CT scan in the axial view, and the different trochlear and patellar morphotypes. We included 11 knees (11 patients) treated due to an objective and documented patellofemoral instability. Results: We obtained good results with both the transfer of the tibial tuberosity and the trochleoplasty. A reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament was performed in both procedures.Recurrence of instability is very rare after these procedures and this is more likely to result from missed associated abnormalities. Conclusion: Accurate preoperative planning of the patellar height and determining the location of the tibial tubercle and the trochlear and patellar morphotypes for satisfactory results are required. How ever, as with any surgical procedure, both tibial tubercle osteotomy and the sulcus deepening trochleoplasty are susceptible of complications.

Radiologic Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove (TT-TG) Distance by Lower Extremity Rotational Profile Computed Tomography in Koreans

BACKGROUND: Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is important in the assessment and treatment of patellofemoral disorders. However, normal and pathological TT-TG values have not been established in Koreans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the TT-TG distance in the Korean population using lower leg rotational profile computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: One hundred rotational profile CT scans were retrospectively collected from patients without knee joint problems aged between 25 to 82 years. TT-TG distances were measured, and statistical analysis was performed. Each CT scan was measured twice in a blinded, randomized manner by three reviewers. Patients with pre-existing knee joint problems were excluded from the study; hence 15 of the 100 patients were excluded because of deformity or unreadable CT scans. Thus, 85 of the 100 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of TT-TG distance measurements was good. The median TT-TG distance for this Korean population was 11.24 mm (mean, 10.24 +/- 0.8 mm). TT-TG distance measured nearly 2 mm less on rotational profile CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the TT-TG distances on rotational profile CT scans were significantly correlated, indicating that they could be accepted. Furthermore, the values on CT scans showed good reliability. In this study, the TT-TG distance in normal Korean people was approximately 10.24 mm without significant differences in TT-TG values between genders.

Avulsión de la tuberosidad tibial: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Tibial tubercle avulsion: a case report and literature review

Resumen La fractura por avulsión de la tuberosidad tibial es una patología poco común. Es una lesión característica de la infancia, con afección directa a la fisis, que amerita un diagnóstico oportuno y un tratamiento óptimo a fin de evitar complicaciones en el crecimiento, la mayoría de ellas graves. La reducción abierta y fijación interna ha probado ser un tratamiento adecuado en la mayoría de este tipo de lesiones; sin embargo, el procedimiento quirúrgico es un riesgo agregado al daño de la lesión per se. Con un adecuado tratamiento y rehabilitación la lesión tiende a una evolución por lo general satisfactoria. Tomando en cuenta la baja incidencia de esta patología, en el siguiente artículo reportamos el caso de un paciente de 13 años con avulsión de tuberosidad tibial tipo III de Watson-Jones, el abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico y el éxito obtenido a 2 años de seguimiento; asimismo, realizamos una revisión de la literatura.

Abstract Tibial tubercle avulsion is an uncommon disease, usually found during childhood, with direct physis affection, that needs an accurate diagnosis and an optimum treatment in order to avoid growth complications which could have disastrous consequences for the child. Open reduction and internal fixation has been reported as an adequate treatment in most of these injuries; nevertheless, surgery increases the risk upon the injury itself. With an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation this injury tends to have a satisfactory evolution. Considering the low incidence of this pathology, a case report of a 13-year-old boy with a Watson-Jones type III avulsion, a diagnostic-therapeutic approach and the successful evolution for a two-years follow up is described, as well as a literature review.

Exposure in complicated total knee arthroplasty using tibial tubercle osteotomy / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To explore the efficacy and results of tibial tubercle osteotomy used in exposure in complicated total knee arthroplasty.[Methods]During the period from Apr.2005 to Apr.2007,the tibial tubercle osteotomy were used in 16 cases of complicated total knee arthroplasty.The mean follow-up time were 20 months(6～26 months).Knee society score(KSS) and radiography were used to evaluate the clinical results.[Results]The mean KSS improved from 46 points preoperatively to 91 points postoperatively.The mean ROM improved to from 53?preoperatively 105?postoperatively.At 3 months after surgery the radiography examines showed all 16 cases had achieved satisfactory healing.The tubercle fragment slided toward proximal 0.7 cm occurred in one case,and finally healed at that position.[Conclusion]Exposure of the knee may be difficult in the total knee arthroplasty,but tibial tubercle osteotomy is a safe and reliable procedure which affords excellent exposure.

Clinical Outcomes of Infective and Non-infective groups in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of infective and non-infective groups in revision total knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 1993 to December 2001, 29 cases of revision total knee arthroplasty were performed in 27 patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 64.2 years (48~74). The average follow-up was 45.4 months (24~90). All cases were divided into two groups (fourteen noninfective and fifteen infective groups). The clinical results were evaluated according to range of motion, Hospital of Special Surgery score, Knee Society score and tibiofemoral angle. The causes of revision in noninfective group were aseptic loosening in eleven, instability in two, and femoral periprosthetic fracture in one. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee score and Knee Society score at the final follow-up compared with the pre-operative status. The above three evaluation criteria showed no significant difference between the two groups except higher further flexion in non-infective than infective group. Preoperative average tibiofemoral angle was varus 1.4degrees in non-infective group and valgus 2.6degrees in infective group (P0.05). There were three complications in infective group, which were two reinfections, and one avulsion of osteotomized tibial tubercle. CONCLUSION: Preoperative planning, choice of proper implants, meticulous management of bony defect and soft tissue enabled successful results in infective group as well as non-infective group except less further flexion in infective group.

Wire Fixation Technique for the Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy in Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of wire fixation technique for tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three cases who underwent TKA with tibial tubercle osteotomy and wire fixation technique for the extensile exposure between January, 1982 and April, 2001, were reviewed. Seventeen cases were male and six cases female. The averageperiod of follow-up was 58 months. The average age was 62.3 years (minimal: 38, maximal: 74). Five cases underwent tibial tubercleosteotomy for primary TKA and the preoperative diagnoses were degenerative osteoarthritis in 2 cases, posttraumatic osteoarthritis in 1case and rheumatoid arthritis in 2 cases. Eighteen cases underwent tibial tubercle osteotomy for revision TKA due to the infected TKAin 10 cases and aseptic loosening in 8 cases. Osteotomized tibial tubercle in size of 2x10 cm was achieved by using oscillating saw and curved osteotome from the point of 2 cm distal to the articular surface of proximal tibia to 8 cm below the tibial tubercle. Six holes were drilled with 1 cm distance for 3 wires passage. The tubercle fragment was fixed with 3 wires and the wires were bent around the tibial stemin the medullary canal for passage through tubercle fragment. The passive range of motion was started within one week after the operation. We evaluated the preoperative and postoperative range of motion and the radiologic bony union was assessed by lateral radiograph. The clinical results were assessed by Knee Society Knee Score. RESULTS: The bony union was achieved in twenty-two cases about 13 moths after the operation, and fixation loss was observed in one case. The average range of motion were 70 degrees (5-90 degrees) preoperatively and 80.8 degrees (25-110 degrees) postoperatively. The average clinical knee scores of painand function were 51 (40-57) point, 58 (45-70) point preoperatively and 54 (50-65) point, 65 (54-78) point postoperatively. Two complications were noted with one case of infection and fixation loss due to injury in each. CONCLUSION: Wire fixation for tibial tubercle osteotomy in total knee arthroplasty results in firm fixation of tubercle fragment, therefore it seems to be an useful technique in exposure for total knee arthroplasty.

Osteotomy of the Tibial Tubercle in difficult Total Knee Arthroplasty

Exposure with the tibial tubercle osteotomy was done for ten revisions and one primary total knee replacements out of 200 total knee arthroplasties performed from 1985 to 1996. The cases were analyzed with regard to complications and technical considerations. The preoperative diagnoses were infected total knee arthroplasty in seven, aseptic loosening in three and one ankylosed knee. Eixtensive exposure was achieved enough for debridement and reimplantation. The tubercle was fixed with two or three 3.5mm screws. The average duration of follow up was 30 months. Post operative knee flexion averaged 87 degrees. There were two complications, one avulsion of the fragment and one tibial fracture. The advantage of this procedure included wide exposure for difficult knee surgeries and more proximal fixation for improved flexion.