Maquet osteotomy for chondromalacia patellae: avoiding the pitfalls

The authors' modification of the classic Maquet procedure of anterior displacement of the tibial tubercle allows effective decompression of the patellofemoral joint. Strict adherence to the modified technique has prevented all major complications. Forty-four patients underwent this procedure. They were divided into a retrospective group of 20 and a prospective group of 24. Nine patients in the prospective group had the modified Maquet procedure following a failed Hauser operation. All had an excellent result due to decrease in the patellofemoral compression force. The modified Maquet procedure was also valuable in those who had an extensor lag following patellectomy (two patients), failed proximal realignment (three patients) and failed patellar shaving procedures (three patients).