Anterior displacement of the tibial tuberosity in the treatment of chondromalacia patellae.

Anterior displacement of the tibial tuberosity combined with shaving of the diseased cartilage was used as treatment for chondromalacia patellae in 32 knees in 28 consecutive patients and in one patient with chondromalacia femoris. The patients were aged 17 to 57 years. One patient had earlier sustained a serious injury to the ligaments of the knee, resulting in instability. All patients except one were unfit for work before the operation. Postoperative extra-articular wound infection was noted in two knees and venous thrombosis occurred in three legs. The postoperative observation period varied from 8 months to 2 years and 10 months. In one knee the anterior displacement of the tibial tuberosity was not maintained. In lateral radiographs the anterior displacement of the tibial tuberosity in the other knees varied from 10 to 23 mm. The relief from pain obtained by the operative treatment was estimated as good in all knees except three, which were unchanged. All patients became fit for work and/or sport.