BACKGROUND: Trochlear dysplasia is present in 68% to 85% of patients with recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability (LPI) compared with 3% to 6% of healthy controls. Trochlear dysplasia has been associated with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) graft failure and lower quality-of-life (QOL) outcome scores. The correction of trochlear dysplasia with trochleoplasty is indicated in patients with recurrent LPI and high-grade trochlear dysplasia with a trochlear bump and a significant J-sign. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and patient-reported outcomes after patella-stabilizing surgery, including thin flap sulcus deepening trochleoplasty, and to explore the influence of pathoanatomic variables on postoperative QOL scores in patients who have undergone patellar stabilization, including trochleoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Case series
Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 63 consecutive knees in 46 patients with recurrent LPI and high-grade trochlear dysplasia who underwent MPFL reconstruction with thin flap trochleoplasty were followed for 2 years postoperatively. Clinical outcomes and Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) 2.0 scores were collected prospectively. The RESULTS: Overall, 63 knees with a mean follow-up of 32.9 ± 17.0 months (range, 12-84 months) were included. All patients had preoperative high-grade trochlear dysplasia (Dejour type B: 46%
Dejour type D: 54%), with a mean trochlear bump height of 6.1 ± 1.8 mm (range, 3.2-10.5 mm). The BPII 2.0 score increased significantly from preoperatively (29.3 ± 12.4) to postoperatively (71.8 ± 17.4) ( CONCLUSION: Thin flap trochleoplasty combined with MPFL reconstruction in patients with recurrent LPI and high-grade trochlear dysplasia resulted in low redislocation and reoperation rates at a mean of 33 months. Disease-specific QOL scores were statistically significantly improved from preoperatively to postoperatively.