Do you need surgery for patellar tracking disorder?

Surgery usually isn’t needed for patellar tracking disorder. You may need surgery if your kneecap dislocates after other treatments haven’t worked. There are several types of surgery that can correct a tracking problem. You and your doctor can decide which surgery is best for you.

What is patellar tracking?

Patellar tracking disorder means that the kneecap (patella) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. In most cases, the kneecap shifts too far toward the outside of the leg. In a few people, it shifts toward the inside.

What is normal patellar tracking?

This measurement is the ratio of the patellar tendon length compared to the patellar height with the knee bent to around 30 degrees. A ratio of around 1.0 is considered normal. A ratio less than 0.80 is indicative of an inferior patella or “patellar baja” that may be due to a shortened patellar tendon.

Is patellar tracking disorder serious?

An example of a severe case of a tracking disorder is a dislocation. If the patella is completely dislocated, you’ll usually feel a lot of pain. Your leg may appear bent or out of shape, and you may not be able to bend or straighten your knee or walk.

What does bipartite patella look like?

At first, it may look like a broken kneecap, but on closer look, a bipartite patella doesn’t have the jagged edges and sharp angles of a broken bone.

How do I fix my patella tracking?

Most patellar tracking problems can be treated effectively without surgery. Non-surgical treatment may include rest, regular stretching and strengthening exercises, taping or bracing the knee, using ice, and short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What are the factors that affect patellar tracking?

Patellar tracking is conditioned by a combination of static and dynamic factors. The former determine the position of the patella in relation to the femoral component and include the shape of the trochlear prosthetic groove, the three-dimensional positioning of the femoral component, and the balance of the soft tissues.

How to prevent patellar maltracking in total knee arthroplasty?

Several factors are crucial to prevent patellar maltracking in TKA: the use of an anatomical femoral component, a meticulous surgical technique, careful dynamic intraoperative assessment of patellar tracking, and, if necessary, the achievement of an adequate lateral release. Keywords: patellofemoral joint, total knee arthroplasty, alignment Go to:

When to use lateral release for patellofemoral maltracking?

Lateral release is indicated for patellar maltracking with well-positioned components. The superior lateral geniculate artery should be preserved during lateral release. If subluxation persists following lateral release, a proximal soft tissue realignment procedure may be considered.

Can a static MRI be used to diagnose patellar maltracking?

On the other hand, there are static MRI measurements that are routinely used as indicators of patellofemoral alignment during knee movement [ 30, 31 ]. The main morphological features associated with patellar maltracking are trochlear dysplasia]