MIDTERM OUTCOMES OF TIBIAL TUBERCLE ANTEROMEDIALISATION (FULKERSON PROCEDURE) FOR PATELLOFEMORAL MALALIGNMENT.

Objective: Patellofemoral malalignment is a known risk factor for instability, anterior knee pain, chondropathy and arthrosis. Patellofemoral malaligment with a laterally positioned tibial tubercle that results in symptoms of pain and/or instability can be effectively managed with a tibial tubercle osteotomy. Material and Method: We present long term results of 50 knees of 45 patients with patellofemoral malalignment treated with Fulkerson osteotomy at our institution. Results: The mean follow-up time was 116,9 months (60-204). Significant improvement was observed at all of the radiographic parameters when compared with the preoperative values of our cohort. We found that patients' postoperative quality of life increased significantly according to various pain and functional scales. Conclusion: In conclusion, Fulkerson osteotomy is successful in the treatment of patients with lateral patellar instability and/ or patellofemoral chondrosis/artrosis owing to patellofemoral malalignment. We believe that careful patient selection is the most important factor determining the overall outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]