Clinics in sports medicine
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Patella instability can cause significant pain and functional limitations. Several factors can predispose to patella instability, such as ligamentous laxity, increased anterior TT-TG distance, patella alta, and trochlear dysplasia. Acquired factors include MPFL injury or abnormal quadriceps function. ⋯ Tibial tubercle osteotomy can address bony malalignment and also unload certain articular cartilage lesions while improving stability. Trochleoplasty may be indicated in individuals with a severely dysplastic trochlea that cannot otherwise be stabilized. A combination of procedures may be necessary to fully address the multiple factors involved in causing pain, loss of function, and risk of recurrence in patients with patellar instability.