Patella Stabilisation Surgery

What is patella stabilisation?

Patella stabilisation is a broad term that encompasses surgery that stops the patella (kneecap) from dislocating or to treat recurrent instability.

This can include either bony or soft-tissue procedures, or both depending on the cause of the instability. Some of the procedures to treat patella instability include: MPFL reconstruction, cartilage repair, lateral release and medial capsular plication, tibial tuberosity osteotomy, and de-rotational osteotomy.

During your consultation, Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss the details of your condition and his recommendation for which, if any, surgery will be right for your situation.

What types of procedures are involved in patella stabilisation?

MPFL RECONSTRUCTION: Soft tissue operation using a tendon to reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) which is one of the normal structures that stops the knee from dislocation. This is usually ruptured during a patella dislocation event.

CARTILAGE REPAIR: Cartilage and bone can be chipped away from the kneecap or the thigh bone requiring repair.

LATERAL RELEASE AND MEDIAL CAPSULAR PLICATION: Keyhole procedure to release the tight structures on the outside of the knee and tightening of the inside of the knee.

TIBIAL TUBEROSITY OSTEOTOMY: To change the height or direction of pull of the patella, the bony attachment at the tibia (shinbone) is repositioned and held with screws.

DE-ROTATIONAL OSTEOTOMY: If the driving force of the instability is the abnormal rotation of the femur or tibia then realignment surgery may be required. This involves cutting the bones and realigning them with plates or rods until they are healed.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Diagnosis and Management Plan

Dr Eardley-Harris will formulate a diagnosis and personalised management plan for your situation.

A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Personalised Planning

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to prepare. This includes blood tests, ECGs, and further imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications around the time of your surgery and will be told when you need to stop eating or drinking.
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You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.

Surgery

Dr Eardley-Harris and his team will greet you on the day of surgery, and answer any further questions you have about the surgery and your recovery.

After Surgery

Follow-up

Following surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris usually keeps a close eye on your recovery with follow-up visits at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by an ongoing review to make sure you are meeting your goals.

Rehabilitation

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

What is patella stabilisation?

What types of procedures are involved in patella stabilisation?

Meet Nathan

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's discuss your personalised treatment plan