Tibial Tubercle Transfer (TTT)
Tibial Tubercle Transfer (TTT) is what orthopaedic surgeons call a realignment procedure. Think about how we straighten the knee. The quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh contract. They pull on the patella, which is connected to the tibia (shin bone) by the patellar tendon, and the knee straightens. This works well when everything is nicely centred at the front of the knee. Unfortunately, things do not always line up, and when they don't the knee cap tilts to the outside of its groove. This is called a maltracking patella.
Dr. David Colvin, orthopaedic surgeon in Perth. David's specialty is knee and shoulder surgery and sports injuries.
Is Tibial Tubercle Transfer the surgery you need?
If the knee cap isn't running smoothly in the centre of the knee, it can be realigned by tibial tubercle transfer. This surgery for knee cap maltracking is also called patellofemoral realignment. You might benefit from TTT if you have:
- A sore knee cap, patellofemoral pain, or ‘Runner’s knee’.
- Recurrent patella dislocation.
- Patellofemoral arthritis due to a maltracking patella.
Shoulder & Knee Surgery Perth
What is involved in a Tibial Tubercle Transfer procedure?
Firstly, Dr Colvin will do a Knee Arthroscopy to smooth damage to the articular cartilage to perform a lateral release to free up the knee cap.
Then the knee cap is centralised by cutting the tibia bone (osteotomy) where the patellar tendon attaches. This bump of bone just below the patellar is called the tibial tuberosity. It is shifted inwards about one centimetre and repositioned with metal screws. At this time, everything should line up nicely.
What to expect after Tibial Tubercle Transfer?
You will need crutches for four weeks but we start knee bending and taking some weight immediately. Dr Colvin does not use a brace for this procedure, to reduce muscle wasting and knee stiffness. The cut bone takes three months to heal. Full strength can take six to twelve months to be restored.
Need more information about this procedure?
If you think you may benefit from a Tibial Tubercle Transfer, or suffer from a sore knee cap, dislocation, or osteoarthritis of the patella make an appointment to visit orthopaedic surgeon Dr David Colvin in Perth, and discuss your treatment options.
CO.RE TTT
In the field of shoulder and knee reconstruction, successful outcomes from an operation are 50% surgery and 50% rehabilitation. You could say the surgery is the easy bit, the rehabilitation is all hard slog. Dr Colvin’s CO.RE exercise programs are just that, a core plan for your successful recovery.
Kneecap Pain
Kneecap Dislocation
Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain
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CONTACT DETAILS
OPENING HOURS
Consulting Rooms
Dr David Colvin consults at:
Western Orthopaedic Clinic Suite 213,
25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008 (Perth)
- These rooms are part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
- Parking is available on site.
OPERATING
Dr David Colvin operates at:
St John of God Subiaco Hospital
Salvado Road,
Subiaco WA 6008 (Perth)