Tibial Tuberosity Transfer in Combination With Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: Surgical Technique

The stability of the patellofemoral joint relies on the tenuous interplay of soft tissue and bony factors. Anatomic risk factors for instability include a shallow trochlea, an abnormally lateral tibial tubercle position, patella alta, hypermobility, or a secondary injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). There is an increasing interest in restoring normal anatomy to achieve stability, and at times more than 1 abnormality exists. This article describes the technique for combining a tibial tuberosity transfer and an MPFL reconstruction. The key features include planning of skin incisions to enable both operations to be undertaken, planning of the screw placement before osteotomy is performed and assessment of the joint through a superolateral portal to assess the need for MPFL reconstruction after tuberosity transfer.