Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

Tibial tubercle osteotomies are important surgical techniques in the operative management of patellar instability and patellofemoral pain.

When is a patient a candidate for tibial tubercle osteotomy?

History of multiple knee subluxations or dislocations
History of patellar and femoral pain
Physical Therapy has been exhausted
Non surgical management has failed

What is involved pre operatively?

continuation of therapy to help strengthening the quadriceps
x-rays
MRI
Pre operative anesthesia consult depending on patients needs

What is involved with the surgery?

The surgical approach is relatively straight forward and the osteotomy is a low risk technique
The osteotomy technique is a greenstick-style distal osteotomy that avoids periosteal stripping appears to optimize bony consolidation, thereby minimizing postoperative fractures.

What does post operative incision care consist of?

Day 3 patient may remove ace wrap and dressing
Steri strips are to remain intact until shriveling up or falling off
Patient may shower after day 3
Patient may not bath or swim until released by the doctor

Post operative care?

Patient will be NON weight bearing on the affected leg for 6 weeks
Patient will require use of crutches
Patient will wear a knee immobilizer
Patient will start slow Range of Motion Exercises at home

When is the Follow up Visits?

7-10 days post operatively
6 weeks post operatively
3 months postoperatively
As needed

When can the patient start to bear weight?

Generally 6 weeks postoperatively
Then the patient can bear weight without crutches in the knee immobilizer for about a week then wean out of the knee immobilizer.

When can the patient return to full activity?

This is individualized for each patient, but generally 3 months after surgery. Some patients may require the use of a patellar stabilizing brace for contact sports.