Arthroscopic trochleoplasty for patellar instability

The procedure

Arthroscopic trochleoplasty aims to deepen the groove that the kneecap sits in, in the same way as open trochleoplasty. But it is carried out using an arthroscope. This is a long, thin, tube-shaped instrument with a camera on the end, which is inserted through small cuts around the knee. The aim is to cause less damage to the soft tissue than open surgery does, which should reduce pain after the operation and allow the patient to recover quicker.

The patient is given a general or regional anaesthetic. The arthroscope and other instruments are inserted through cuts around the knee and the cartilage over the groove is moved aside. A surgical shaver is then used to deepen the groove that the kneecap sits in. The cartilage is then returned and fixed in place. The ligament holding the kneecap in place is often operated on at the same time.