Gait pattern normalization after lateral retinaculum reconstruction for iatrogenic medial patellar instability

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Medial patellar instability can significantly impact lower limb function and patient quality of life.
• Insall's proximal realignment is a surgical technique used to address patellar instability.
• Gait analysis provides objective biomechanical data to assess functional outcomes after orthopedic interventions.

Observation:

• This case study presents a patient with medial patellar instability following Insall's proximal realignment.
• Preoperative gait analysis indicated abnormal gait patterns, including increased stance time and altered peak forces on the affected limb.
• Postoperative gait analysis was performed to evaluate the functional impact of the surgical intervention.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited increased stance time and elevated vertical peak forces during heel contact and toe-off preoperatively.
• Following reconstruction of the lateral retinaculum, gait parameters demonstrated a trend towards normalization.
• These findings suggest that surgical restoration of passive restraints may positively influence gait in patellar instability.

Implications:

• The study highlights the potential importance of passive restraining structures, such as the lateral retinaculum, in maintaining patellar stability.
• This contrasts with theories emphasizing solely muscular function in patellar control.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the interplay between passive and active structures in patellar stability and surgical outcomes.