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. 2024 Jan 9;13(4):102900.
doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.102900. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Arthroscopic Patella Realignment for Children And Adolescents: A Single Incision Technique

Affiliations

Arthroscopic Patella Realignment for Children And Adolescents: A Single Incision Technique

Nikolaos K Paschos. Arthrosc Tech. .

Abstract

Management of patellofemoral conditions in children and adolescents can be extremely challenging. Apart from the patellofemoral instability patients, there are several other disorders that can cause significant morbidity, patellofemoral maltracking, patellar tilt, and Hoffa's fat pad impingement syndrome are common problems that may not respond to nonoperative management. Understanding the exact pathology and apply the appropriate management is critical for successful outcome. Identification of novel surgical interventions that can provide symptom relief in a safe manner is important. This technical note describes a surgical technique for patella realignment in young patients that combines safety, simplicity, and reproducibility.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author reports the following potential conflicts of interest or sources of funding: N.K.P reports personal fees from AANA, during the conduct of the study. Full ICMJE author disclosure forms are available for this article online, as supplementary material.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Arthroscopic visualization of the medial aspect of the patellofemoral joint of the right knee, viewing from the anterolateral portal. (A) The arthroscopic needles are inserted at the patella attachment and the midsubstance of the medial patellofemoral ligament. (B). The loop is used to assist suture passage. (C). A PDS suture is retrieved from one side with the use of the loop. (D). The needles are removed, and the repair suture has been placed intra-articularly.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Parallel (A) or crossover (B) configuration of suture placement for patella realignment can be used depending on the condition treated. In this example, the right knee is viewed from the anterolateral portal.
Fig 3
Fig 3
With the patient supine, standard arthroscopic portals are made. The patella realignment portal is marked just medial to the medial border of the patella (arrow). In this example, the left knee is treated.
Fig 4
Fig 4
All sutures are retrieved via a single incision. Care should be taken to avoid overlap or crossing of the sutures. In this example, the left knee is treated.

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References

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