Step-cut tibial tubercle osteotomy for access in revision total knee replacement

In this retrospective cohort, the results of step-cut tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) in 39 revision total knee arthroplasty, using the Continuum Knee System (CKS), are determined. In 39 revision, total knee arthroplasties, adequate exposure was obtained after step-cut TTO. All knees were recently reviewed for clinical and radiological results. Symptomatic TTO-related complications occurred in three out of 39 patients. Two patients had proximal migration of the tibia] tubercle due to an insufficient step-cut. Another patient had posttraumatic avulsion of the tibial tubercle. No TTO-related extensor lag or tibial fracture occurred. We conclude that, when adequate exposure cannot be obtained, step-cut TTO is a safe and reproducible procedure if strict attention is paid to technique and fixation. It does not compromise the functional results of TKA. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.