The patello-femoral joint :

Maltracking... I think - - Posted by dubbin (dubbin), 24 January 2005

I have what sounds like some severe maltraking with pretty much constant pain. I can often feel my knee cap slide around. Sometimes it hurts under the kneecap as though my cartilage is getting torn to shreds ( what a great thought).

Anyway- I was just wondering what is done for maltracking? I've gone to PT and I'm not too fond of it. They taped my knees which I will NEVER have done again!

Can I just look forward to a lifetime in PT? Is there really nothing to be done so grin and bear it? Should I just wrap my knee everyday and ice/ heat when I can't take it anymore? Is there any hope at all?
Posted by PattiAnn237 (PattiAnn237), 24 January 2005

There is hope.  The most common procedure to fix maltracking is realignment.  On here most people refer to it as a TTT.  The most important thing is to find a good doctor who has a good background in this type of problem.

Just keep researching and asking questions.  Everyone is different, so you've got to do what works for you!

Take care, ~Patti
Posted by dubbin (dubbin), 24 January 2005

I'm new- Could someone explain TTT please...  
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 24 January 2005

Hi Dubbin, I agree with Patti.  You have to find an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in knees.  Try the top of the page 'knee surgeons' then find your area and maybe one of them lives near you.  E-mail them your history and what you have done so far for treatment, like PT , taping, bracing etc.
You need a good assessment from someone that can offer different procedures.

Medications can also give alot of relief from knee pain - if there is a Pain Management Clinic in your area speak to your GP about a referral.  If not talk to your GP about medications like Pennsaid (anti-inflammatory ointment) or other meds.

The PT, PM and OS are all necessary.

A ttt is a tibial turbacle transfer, they move the patellar tendon into a better position so your kneecap will track better.  If you google search you will find alot of info on this procedure and why they do it.
There is also alot of info about this in the section called  'Notes on Surgical Technique' then click on  'Notes on Surgical Procedures".

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.

Hunting for information is a slow process. browsing through these topics will probably raise a lot of questions in your mind. Don't forget that there is a whole site behind these forums - just click the 'KNEEguru' home button at the top left of your page when you are ready to access it.