No secondary osteoarthritis after recession wedge trochleoplasty associated with tibial tubercle osteotomy for treating recurrent patellar dislocation in high-grade dysplasia

Purpose

To determine in the long-term the rate of osteoarthritis of recession wedge trochleoplasty performed in patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar dislocations. The hypothesis was that the rate of secondary osteoarthritis was low.

Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients (17 knees) undergoing a recession wedge trochleoplasty surgery for recurrent patellar dislocation were retrospectively included. Recurrence of dislocation and functional scores of Lille and Kujala were collected. A complete radiological assessment was carried out to assess secondary patella-femoral and femoro-tibial osteoarthritis.

Results

No recurrence of dislocation was observed. Mean Lille and Kujala scores were respectively 84 ± 9/100 and 78 ± 12/100 at an average follow-up of 11.2 ± 1.8 years (132 ± 22 months, range 96–165).

No significant radiological changes in osteoarthritis were observed.

Of the 15 knees without any radiological signs of patellofemoral osteoarthritis at time of surgery, 7 presented a bone remodeling (Iwano1) and 8 had no signs of osteoarthritis at the latest follow-up. Among the 2 knees with a preoperative Iwano stage 1, one evolved to Iwano stage 2.

Conclusion

Recession wedge trochleoplasty is an effective treatment for recurrent patellar instability in patients with a high-grade trochlear dysplasia. In the long term, the patellofemoral joint is stable, the functional scores are good, and there is no significant arthritic degeneration.

Level of evidence

IV, retrospective series.