Exposure in difficult total knee arthroplasty using tibial tubercle osteotomy.

Exposure with an extended tibial tubercle and tibial crest osteotomy was done for 136 total knee arthroplasties from 1986 to 1994: There were 26 primary arthroplasties, 76 revision, 10 repeated revision, 19 infected, and 5 repeated revision for infection. Adequate exposure was achieved and further release of the quadriceps mechanism was not necessary. Two or 3 wires were passed through the lateral edge of the tibial tubercle and through the medial tibial cortex to reattach the bone fragment and patellar tendon. Mean range of motion in these cases at 2 years after surgery was 93.7 degrees (range, 15 degrees-140 degrees). Two knees had extension lag, unchanged from their preoperative condition. Two tibial tubercles had partial proximal avulsion fracture, but did not separate widely. No evidence of non-union occurred in the simple cases or in the infected cases in which repeat elevation of the tibial tubercle flap and quadriceps mechanism was done. Three wires were removed because of pain. Two tibial fractures occurred in a single patient with diabetic Charcot arthropathy, and in 1 with manipulation after open adhesiolysis. Quadriceps function was not compromised in any case. Knees with Charcot arthropathy may need prolonged protection from weightbearing. Special caution should be exercised when manipulation is done to improve knee flexibility.