Distal realignment: indications, technique, and results.

When appropriately indicated, distal realignment procedures can produce consistent clinical results. Indications for distal realignment include lateral patellofemoral instability, anterior knee pain with associated lateral or distal patellofemoral cartilage lesion, and cases with significant lateral patellofemoral overload or tilt. In cases of patellofemoral instability, it is important to determine whether proximal stabilization, distal realignment, or both is needed. If distal realignment is indicated, several anatomic variables must be considered to determine the location and obliquity of the osteotomy when using multiplanar osteotomy techniques.