Osteotomy of the tibial tubercle during total knee replacement: a report of twenty-six cases

The cases of twenty-four patients who had twenty-six osteotomies of the tibial tubercle in conjunction with total knee replacement were analyzed with regard to complications and technical considerations. The patients were followed for a minimum of two years (average, three years and six months). Major complications related to the surgical technique occurred in 23 per cent of the knees and complications not related to the technique, in an additional 8 per cent. Rheumatoid arthritis and a history of at least one previous operation about the knee were predisposing factors for these complications.