Is tibial tubercle osteotomy necessary?

Patients who have a high tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TTTG) distance of 20 millimeters or more that do need to have a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL) are generally felt to need a tibial tubercle osteotomy.

Is a tibial tubercle osteotomy painful?

Tibial osteotomy surgery is a painful procedure. You will be provided with a prescription for pain medication on discharge from hospital. You should never take more medication (higher dosage or more frequently) than prescribed.

How long does a tibial tubercle transfer take?

A tibial tubercle osteotomy and distal realignment procedure usually takes one to one-and-a-half hours. General anesthesia is typically used for surgery, though in some cases a spinal or epidural anesthetic is used.

What is a tibial tubercle?

The tibial tubercle is a bony bump on the upper part of the shin where the patellar tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles (or quads) to the leg. A tibial tubercle fracture is a break or crack at this location, which usually occurs as a result of the patellar tendon pulling off a piece of the bone.

What causes tibial tubercle fracture?

Tibial tubercle fracture is caused by injury from violent tensile forces on the tibial tuberosity. The force is delivered through eccentric contraction of the extensor mechanism of the knee from either of the following: Violent contraction of the extensors without shortening (eg, springing off when jumping)

How long does osteotomy take to heal?

It may take 3 to 6 months for osteotomy patients to walk normally and regain full range of motion. It may be 12 months or more before patients can participate in high impact activities, such as jogging.

What is HTO surgery?

A high tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure that realigns the knee joint. For some patients who have knee arthritis, this surgery can delay or prevent the need for a partial or total knee replacement by preserving damaged joint tissue.

When can you drive after tibial tubercle osteotomy?

For patients undergoing right leg surgery, you may not return to driving until you have discontinued using your crutches (approximately 6 weeks). For patients undergoing left knee surgery that do not drive manual vehicles, you may return to driving between 3 and 6 weeks when you are no longer taking pain medication.

How is the tibial tubercle realigned?

The tibial tubercle is realigned with the patella in a position that allows for proper movement when the knee bends. Once in place, the bone is reattached to the tibia with a metal plate, wires or screws. The attachment parts are permanent unless they cause pain.

What is a tibial tubercle fracture?

summary Tibial Tubercle Fractures are common fractures that occur in adolescent boys near the end of skeletal growth during athletic activity. Diagnosis can be confirmed with plain radiographs of the knee. Treatment may be nonoperative or operative depending on location of the fracture, degree of displacement, and any associated injuries.

What is the tuberosity of the tibia?

The tuberosity is the ridge at the top of the tibia (lower bone) in this side view x-ray of the knee. Because the tibial tubercle is an end-point for the chain of muscles, tendons, and bones involved in knee extension, a group activated during movements ranging from cycling to jumping, injuries to this bony point are possible, though uncommon.

Is tibial tubercle advancement osteotomy an effective treatment for anterior knee pain?

Conclusions: Tibial tubercle advancement osteotomy can be an effective treatment for anterior knee pain and for patients with arthroscopic evidence of patellar chondral damage. It can provide excellent/good long-term functional results in the majority of patients, with very high satisfaction levels and sustained improvement in pain symptoms.