Patella alta in patellofemoral instability.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Patellar instability is a common orthopedic condition.
• Patella alta, characterized by a high-riding patella, is frequently observed in patients with patellar instability.
• The Insall and Salvati (LP-LT) index is a radiographic measurement used to assess patellar position.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of patella alta in patients undergoing patellar realignment surgery.
• To assess the effectiveness of latero-medial realignment procedures in correcting patella alta.
• To investigate the relationship between patella alta, trauma severity, and surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 90 patients undergoing latero-medial realignment for patellar instability.
• Preoperative and postoperative radiographic assessment using the LP-LT index.
• Evaluation of trauma severity and correlation with patellar position and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of patella alta (53%) was diagnosed preoperatively based on radiographs.
• Latero-medial realignment surgery demonstrated a significant correction of patella alta, increasing the mean LP-LT index by 0.10.
• Patients with patella alta experienced less severe initial trauma compared to those without patella alta.
• The presence of patella alta did not influence the final surgical outcome at a mean follow-up of 57 months.

Conclusions:

• Patella alta is a frequent radiographic finding in patients with patellar instability.
• Latero-medial realignment procedures effectively correct patella alta.
• While patella alta may be associated with less severe trauma, it does not negatively impact the long-term outcomes of latero-medial realignment surgery.