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Osteotomy for Patellar Tracking Disorder

Topic Overview

An osteotomy is a surgery that involves cutting the bone. When a patellar tracking disorder is caused by a structural or alignment problem, an osteotomy can be an effective treatment option.

See a picture of the knee.

A tibial tubercle osteotomy moves and reinserts the patellar tendon into the shinbone (tibia). This procedure is commonly done for one or a combination of conditions in which:

  • A patella slips sideways (laterally), out of its normal location.
  • An excessively long patellar tendon allows the patella to slide too high on the knee joint (patella alta).

A tibial tubercle osteotomy is often combined with a lateral release.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
Last Revised January 9, 2012

Last Revised: January 9, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery

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