Operative management of patellofemoral pain

In short, the surgical treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain will depend on understanding each specific disorder and the pattern of articular degeneration. Tilt alone generally responds well to lateral release. Subluxation, particularly when more severe, may require medial imbrication and/or a distal (Trillat) procedure in addition to lateral release to achieve extensor mechanism balance. When there is significant patellar arthrosis, an oblique osteotomy deep to the tibial tubercle will permit unloading of the patellar articular surface in addition to realignment. A small amount of metaphyseal bone placed in this oblique osteotomy will permit straight anterior displacement of the tibial tubercle of 15-20 mm with minimal bone graft when necessary. These basic surgical procedures will permit adequate treatment of most patients with resistant patellofemoral pain (with or without arthrosis) when non-operative measures have failed and the appropriate procedure is selected for a specific mechanical disorder.