Dovetail Patellar Tendon Transfer for Recurrent Dislocating Patella
- Wayne O. Southwick, MD;
- George E. Becker, MD;
- James A. Albright, MD
Abstract
Chronic dislocation of the patella, relatively common in female patients, has several causes, including: too lateral patellar tendon insertion, abnormally high patella (patella alta), low lateral condyle of the femur, weak medial portion of the knee capsule, and genu valgum. Transposition of the tendon medially and sometimes distally is an effective corrective measure. The dovetail transfer is performed through a cosmetically desirable transverse incision lying in the cleavage lines (Langer's lines). It leaves the knee joint unviolated. Being inherently stable, it requires no foreign metallic fixation and allows comfortable early active mobilization of the knee.
Footnotes
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Presented as a scientific exhibit at the 116th annual convention of the American Medical Association, Atlantic City, NJ, June 19, 1967.
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Reprint requests to 333 Cedar St, New Haven, Conn (Dr. Southwick).
