Tibial tubercle transfer for anterior knee pain due to quadriceps mechanism malalignment

ABSTRACT

In a retrospective study of thirty tibial tubercle transfers [21 patients] for resistant anterior knee pain due to quadriceps mechanism malalignment carried out over a 4 year period, twenty three knees [15 patients] were available for follow up. The tibial tuberosity was transferred medially and distally as originally described by Hauser [1938]. On objective assessment, 52% of patients had an excellent result. These patients had essentially normal knees with minimal or no symptoms and most have returned to participating in sporting activities. However, on subjective assessment, only six knees [26%] were judged to have been a failure by the patients concerned due to Persistence of symptoms and restriction of activities. There were no reliable factors that could be used to predict the outcome of surgery