Precision Custom-Guided Anteromedial Tibial Tubercle Transfer Surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Recurrent lateral patella instability often stems from the patella entering the femoral trochlea laterally.
• Traditional plain radiographs may not accurately assess this lateral patella alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of 3-D imaging in evaluating lateral patella instability.
• To introduce the entry point-trochlear groove (EP-TG) distance as a key metric for surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing 3-D imaging to precisely assess patella entry to the femoral trochlea.
• Measuring the coronal distance between the patella entry point (EP) and the central trochlear groove (TG) – the EP-TG distance.

Main Results:

• 3-D imaging offers superior accuracy in assessing lateral patella entry compared to plain radiographs.
• The EP-TG distance provides a reliable measure for surgical decision-making.

Conclusions:

• 3-D imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning in lateral patella instability.
• The EP-TG distance, combined with other metrics, enhances planning for anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer osteotomy (AMTTO).