Arthroscopic trochleoplasty is a keyhole procedure in patients with trochlear dysplasia to improve the shape of the top of the groove where the kneecap runs.
Page updated December 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
In some people the upper end of the groove may be deformed, making it easier for the patella to sublux or dislocate. It may be abnormally flat or even heaped into a bump, as in this example.
From a keyhole portal above the patella, the arthroscopic surgeon lifts up the delicate joint cartilage and re-shapes the bony bump below it to make it easier for the patella to stay in the groove.
Absorbable tapes are used to hold the white cartilage against the re-shaped bone until healing takes place.
Is arthroscopic trochleoplasty a common procedure?
The procedure is only performed in centres that specialise in problems of the patella.
Quick links
Peer-reviewed papers
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Quote:
"[In two patients]...both patients experienced significantly less pain and had better knee scores, indicating that AKP [anterior knee pain] in combination with severe TD [trochlear dysplasia] may respond positively from arthroscopic trochleoplasty. "
Citation: Blønd L. Arthroscopic deepening trochleoplasty for chronic anterior knee pain after previous failed conservative and arthroscopic treatment. Report of two cases. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2017;40:63-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.09.006. Epub 2017 Sep 14. PMID: 28942225; PMCID: PMC5612785.
Also relevant -
2014 - Arthroscopic deepening trochleoplasty - by Dr Lars Blønd (Knee Surgeon)
Dr Lars Blønd, pioneer of this procedure, discusses arthroscopic trochleoplasty.
VIDEO: Rehabilitation after arthroscopic trochleoplasty