In some people the upper end of the trochlear 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.
How is arthroscopic trochleoplasty performed?
Via a keyhole surgery system, the surgeon separates and elevates the layer of articular cartilage in the faulty area, and re-shapes the bone underneath it.
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.
Quick linksHow effective is arthroscopic trochleoplasty?
The procedure is only performed in centres that specialise in problems of the patella.
In good hands the patient can expect improvement of symptoms.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"[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.