Arthroscopic proximal patella realignment and stabilization

Treatment of patellofemoral pain is a source of much controversy. This is shown by the vast number of surgical procedures used in treatment. This article describes an arthroscopic proximal realignment technique to address patellafemoral pain and instability. We have used this technique to treat acute dislocations with capsular deficits, recurrent dislocations, and subluxations. This procedure was developed in 1988 as an alternative treatment to distal realignment in a 10-year-old child with recurrent dislocation of the patella. In adults, we have used this technique in conjunction with a lateral release and in two cases with a distal realignment procedure. Our experience is that low technical demand, consistency of results, low morbidity, and cosmesis make this a worthwhile technique. We believe that this procedure is a valuable technique either alone or in conjunction with other procedures in the treatment of patella maltracking and instability.