Anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle: A 4-to 12-year follow-up

In this article, we review of 36 patients (42 knees, 6 bilateral) that underwent anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle for patellar malalignment and cartilage breakdown between 1982 and 1990. The average follow-up was 8.2 years (minimum 4.4). Patients completed questionnaires, visual analog scales, and a modified Lysholm scale. Thirty-six patients (with 42 affected knees) returned questionnaires of which 19 patients (22 knees) were seen in the office for long-term follow-up evaluation. Good to excellent results were subjectively reported by 86% (36 of 42) of the patients. On physical examination, 19 of 22 knees had an excellent or good result. The average score on the modified Lysholm scale was 83.5 (range, 15 to 100). After surgery, 7 of 36 patients returned to heavy labor, 9 of 36 to moderate work, and 18 of 36 to light duty. One year after surgery, 95% (40 of 42) said they would undergo the procedure again given similar circumstances, and 67% said they were satisfied with their level of recreational activity. Anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle when done properly is a successful method for correcting patellar malalignment and relieving pain from mild to moderate patella cartilage breakdown. This study is based on objective and subjective long-term follow-up.