Operative Management of Patellar Instability in the United States: An Evaluation of National Practice Patterns, Surgical Trends, and Complications

Background:Treatment of patellofemoral instability has evolved as our understanding of the relevant pathoanatomy has improved. In light of these developments, current practice patterns and management trends have likely changed to reflect these advancements; however, this has not been evaluated in a formal study.Purpose:To determine nationwide patient demographics, surgical trends, and postoperative complications associated with the operative management of patellar instability surgery.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiological study.Methods:A large private-payer database (PearlDiver) comprising patients covered by Humana and United Healthcare insurance policies was retrospectively reviewed using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to identify patients who underwent surgery for patellar instability. The study cohort was established by querying for patients billed under CPT codes 27420, 27422, or 27427 while satisfying the diagnostic requirement of patellar instability (International Classification of D...