Fulkerson osteotomy for the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment
Abstract
Methods: Fulkerson osteotomy (anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer) was performed in 21 knees of 18 patients (10 females, 8 males; mean age 28.6 years; range 21 to 42 years). The patellofemoral congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and patellofemoral index were measured pre- and postoperatively on tangential radiograms obtained at 45° knee flexion. Malalignment patterns were determined by computed tomography as lateral tilt (n=12), lateral patellar subluxation (n=4), and both (n=5). All the patients underwent arthroscopic examination preoperatively and all had severe osteoarthrosis in the patellar articular surfaces (Outerbridge type III-IV). The mean anteriorization was 10.5 mm (range 7 to 15 mm). The vastus medialis oblique muscle was advanced in seven knees. The patients were assessed according to the criteria of Fulkerson et al. pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 20 to 60 months).
Results: According to the criteria of Fulkerson et al., the results were excellent, very good, or good in 18 knees (85.7%), fair in two knees (9.5%), and poor in one knee (4.8%). Pain and instability scoresshowed significant improvement (p<0.05). On final radiographic assessment, the mean patellofemoral congruence angle and patellofemoral index were -6.8 (range -26° to 10°) and 1.4 (range 0.8 to 1.6), respectively (p<0.05). The lateral patellofemoral angle had a lateral orientation in all the knees. Complicationsincluded tibial tubercle avulsion (n=1), deep vein thrombosis (n=1), and slight knee flexion contractures (n=4). Wound-related problems, compartment syndrome, peroneal nerve palsy, or proximal tibial fracture were not encountered.
Conclusion : Successful results are obtained by Fulkerson osteotomy in the treatment of chronic patellofemoral malalignment with severe articular degeneration (Outerbridge type IIIIV) particularly in the lateral and distal regions of the patella.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Mahmut Karamehmetoglu
This is me
Yusuf Ozturkmen
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Ibrahim Azboy
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Mustafa Canikoglu
This is me
Publication Date
April 18, 2007
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2007 Volume: 41 Number: 1