Tibial tubercle transfer: a long-range follow-up study.

The prime indications for tibial tubercle transfer are 2 or more complete patellar dislocations with trivial trauma or recurrent subluxation with or without pain causing "giving way." A high "Q" angle, flat lateral condyle, aplastic patella or positive apprehension test may be associated but are not always prime indications in surgery. Methods of fixation are of individual preference in this series and a single screw sufficed. An arthrotomy is not always necessary but is suggested if indicated. If the proximal tibial epiphysis is open, corrective measures are suggested that do not involve the extension of the proximal tibial epiphysis into the tibial tubercle. The tubercle should be advanced to compensate for patella alta and lined up with the femoral shaft. Transplantation of the tubercle medially 3/4'' and distally 1/2'' was generally satisfactory in a series of 377 operations with an average follow up of 3 1/2 years.