Precise Arthroscopic Mini-trochleoplasty and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability With Severe Trochlear Dysplasia

More than 100 surgical procedures have been reported to address recurrent patellar instability. Trochlear dysplasia is the most common finding among the anatomic risk factors for recurrent patellar instability. Various studies have shown that trochleoplasty combined with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is an effective technique to treat recurrent patellar instability. Nevertheless, trochleoplasty is still a daunting procedure for surgeons because of its multiple and gloomy complications. This article introduces a technique to treat recurrent patellar instability with severe trochlear dysplasia: precise arthroscopic mini-trochleoplasty (PAM trochleoplasty) combined with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. This technique precisely removes the supratrochlear spur and trochlear bump, accurately reshapes the trochlear sulcus with minimal invasion and less osteotomy volume, and keeps the sulcus cartilage intact. The purpose of this technique is to develop trochleoplasty into a common and safe technique, which has good outcomes and low complications.