Simplification of the Elmslie-Trillat procedure for patellofemoral malalignment. Is medial capsulorraphy necessary?

We describe a modification of the Elmslie-Trillat operation which includes a lateral retinacular release and medial realignment of the tibial tuberosity, but omits medial capsulorraphy. Seventy-five patients were reviewed with a follow up longer than 2 years and the results compared with the conventional Elmslie-Trillat procedure, which consists of lateral release, medial realignment of the tuberosity and medial capsulorraphy. The simpler operation can work as well and the period of rehabilitation is shorter. The incidence of injury to the saphenous nerve is reduced and the cosmetic appearance is more satisfactory. We conclude that medial capsulorraphy is usually unnecessary in this type of procedure.