Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy With Distalization for the Treatment of Patella Alta

Abstract

One of the most common osseous abnormalities associated with patellar instability and patellofemoral osteochondral disease is patella alta, characterized by an Insall–Salvati ratio ≥1.2 or a Caton–Deschamps Index ≥1.2. Despite being the most common surgical treatment option for patella alta, tibial tubercle osteotomy with distalization raises concerns due to the complete detachment of the tubercle, which may lead to damage of local vascularity from periosteal detachment and increased mechanical stress at the attachment site. These factors are related to greater risk of complications, such as fractures, loss of fixation, delayed union, or nonunion of the tuberosity. We describe a technique for tibial tubercle osteotomy with distalization that aims to minimize these complications through care with the osteotomy, stabilization, bone cut thickness, and local periosteum.