
Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance: does it measure up?
Author(s) -
Harry Krishnan,
Jonathan Eldridge,
Damian Clark,
Andrew Metcalfe,
Jarrad Stevens,
Vipul Mandalia
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
bone and joint open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2633-1462
DOI - 10.1302/2633-1462.33.bjo-2021-0107
Subject(s) - tibial tuberosity , patella , anatomy , osteotomy , ligament , orthodontics , instability , medicine , tibia , medial patellofemoral ligament , physics , mechanics
Recognized anatomic variations that lead to patella instability include patella alta and trochlea dysplasia. Lateralization of the extensor mechanism relative to the trochlea is often considered to be a contributing factor; however, controversy remains as to the degree this contributes to instability and how this should be measured. As the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) is one of most common imaging measurements to assess lateralization of the extensor mechanism, it is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Care needs to be taken while interpreting the TT-TG value as it is affected by many factors. Medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy is sometimes used to correct the TT-TG, but may not truly address the underlying anatomical problem. This review set out to determine whether the TT-TG distance sufficiently summarizes the pathoanatomy, and if this assists with planning of surgery in patellar instability. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):268–274.