Complications in patellofemoral surgery

The complexity of patellofemoral morphology, combined with its injuries and degenerative patterns, leads to varied pathologic diagnoses, as well as surgical procedures to address these problems. Surgical procedures in the patellofemoral joint include tibial tubercle osteotomy, medial patellofemoral ligament surgery, soft tissue procedures on the lateral aspect of the patella, trochleoplasty, and patellofemoral arthroplasty. Understanding potential complications related to the various surgical procedures in the patellofemoral joint is critical to successful surgery. The purpose of this article is to discuss potential surgical complications in procedures performed to address patellofemoral pathology and describe ways to avoid these pitfalls.