Survival and clinical results of a modified "crosse de hockey" procedure for chronic isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis: mid-term follow-up

BACKGROUND: The optimum treatment for isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ-OA) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term clinical results of a modified crosse de hockey procedure for the treatment of isolated PFJ-OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 37 knees in 31 patients treated by a modified crosse de hockey procedure. The mean age was 57.6 years (range, 46–75 years) and mean follow-up was 90.1 months (range, 24–216 months). We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as complication rates at the mid-term follow-up. RESULTS: The Kujala score (mean improvement of 46.7, P < 0.001) and the Fulkerson score (mean improvement of 19, P = 0.001) were significantly higher compared to preoperative values. Overall clinical results rated excellent in 24.3 %, very good in 21.6 %, good in 35.1 %, fair in 13.5 %, and poor in 5.4 % of knees. Patellar tilting (P = 0.015) and congruence angle (P = 0.018) significantly improved postoperatively. On the other hand, the Insall-Salvati index decreased at the time of follow-up, although it remained in the physiologic range. Postoperatively, consecutive disease progression in the tibiofemoral joint and patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis were 18.9 and 5.4 %, respectively. The operative complication rate was 5.4 % in this case series. These percentages were lower than those of alternative tibial tuberosity osteotomy techniques. CONCLUSION: In most patients with chronic isolated PFJ-OA, tibial tuberosity osteotomy by modified crosse de hockey is a reliable procedure that provides good/excellent mid-term clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.