Partial Patellar Lateral Facetectomy: Arthroscopic Technique

Abstract

Lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a relatively common condition in young, active patients. Partial lateral patellar facetectomy is a relatively minimally invasive option to restore knee function and return to sport when conservative treatments are insufficient. We describe the arthroscopic technique of partial lateral patellar facetectomy , which has been historically performed as an open procedure. We describe preoperative planning, arthroscopic portals, landmarks, intra-articular evaluation of bone resection, and surgical difficulties. The goal of the preoperative planning was a target bone resection of 10 to 15 mm including osteophytes and the lateral facet of the patella. Arthroscopic anterolateral and anterior superolateral portals were used to achieve the desired resection. An arthroscopic technique allows a direct view of the osteoarthritic bone for removal and permits intraoperative dynamic evaluation, which allows the surgeon to finetune the bone resection and obtain optimal patellar tracking. Avoiding arthrotomy could reduce morbidity and allows a rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

Outcome and experience of arthroscopic lateral retinacular release combined with lateral patelloplasty in the management of excessive lateral pressure syndrome

“…Early open lateral patelloplasty was used for lateral patellar compression syndrome treatment [ 7 ]. With the development of arthroscopic technology, arthroscopic lateral patelloplasty was used in the treatment of lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis and lateral patellar impingement syndrome [ 8 , 9 ].…”