Ventralization of the tibial tubercle for patellar pain.

In this study patellar pain in 37 knees was treated by ventralization of the tibial tubercle. No primary arthrotomy was performed. Seventy-three percent of the knees improved in the opinions of the patients, 11% remained unchanged, and 16% grew worse. Extension did not deteriorate in any knee. No serious complications were encountered. Seven patients had to undergo reoperation. It is suggested that patellar pain should be subdivided into that due to excess pressure, that due to instability, and that due to excess intraosseous venous pressure, in order to find a treatment appropriate to the cause in each case.