3 The procedure

Guidance

3.1

Arthroscopic trochleoplasty aims to deepen the trochlea in the same way as open trochleoplasty but with less soft tissue trauma, which should reduce postoperative pain and allow more rapid recovery.

3.2

Arthroscopic trochleoplasty is done with the patient under general or regional anaesthesia. Using an arthroscopic approach, the articular cartilage of the trochlea is raised as a flap. A round burr shaver is then used to deepen the trochlear groove. The articular cartilage is then returned to the deepened groove and fixed in place. The procedure is often done in combination with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.