The Maquet procedure. A retrospective review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Tibial tubercle elevation is a surgical technique used to address patellofemoral pain and malalignment.
• Assessing long-term outcomes and complication rates is crucial for surgical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complications of Maquet tibial tubercle elevation.
• To identify factors influencing patient satisfaction and surgical success.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 20 patients (21 knees) who underwent Maquet tibial tubercle elevation between 1981 and 1985.
• Minimum one-year follow-up, with subjective and functional assessments via questionnaire and examination.
• Analysis of complications and correlation with patient demographics and surgical variables.

Main Results:

• Eight complications were reported.
• No statistically significant correlation found between outcomes and preoperative symptoms, prior surgeries, crepitation, or chondral degeneration.
• Lower satisfaction noted in patients under 35 and those with patella dislocation history, though not statistically significant.
• Satisfactory results were more frequent in males, those with a Q angle < 20 degrees, without internal fixation, and with follow-up < 3 years.
• Internal fixation was associated with a significant increase in complications.

Conclusions:

• Maquet tibial tubercle elevation can yield satisfactory results, but careful consideration of internal fixation is warranted due to increased complication rates.
• Patient factors like age and patella dislocation history may influence satisfaction, necessitating further investigation.