The surgical procedure of distalisation of the tibial tubercle involves cutting the bony tibial tubercle below the kneecap and fixing it in a lower position. Page updated July 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Proximal realignment procedures are surgical procedures above the patella, while distal realignments are those below the patella.
The procedure of distalisation of the tibial tubercle is a distal realignment procedure where the tibial tubercle is lifted off the tibia and moved distally, ie further down.
The procedure of distalisation of the tibial tubercle (moving it downwards) is done to improve the position of the patella when it is riding too high in relation to the underlying groove in the femur bone, and prone to sublux or dislocate in extension.
Discussion about distal realignment procedures and later removal of hardware (screws etc).
Loads of practical advice during recovery from tibial tubercle transfer.