“I have a much better quality of life now…”

– Alicia P.

Recurrent patellar (kneecap) dislocation, also known as patellofemoral instability, is a debilitating condition that frequently occurs in young, active people, significantly affecting their quality of life.

For sufferers like Alicia, recurring patellofemoral instability caused daily pain and swelling in her knee and stopped her from engaging in family activities like playing with her child.

After seeing a Banff Sport Medicine Surgeon, a decision was made for Alicia to undergo surgery to treat her affected knee.

Alicia underwent reconstructive surgery of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), a key knee ligament that helps stabilize the kneecap.

Due to other anatomical factors that were suspected of contributing to her patellofemoral instability, another procedure known as a tibial tubercle transfer or osteotomy (TTT / TTO), was done at the same time.

A TTO involves changing where the patellar tendon inserts on the tibia by moving the tibial tubercle bone, which can improve patella alignment with the trochlear groove.

Both surgical procedures (MPFL reconstruction and TTO) successfully eliminated Alicia’s symptoms of instability and pain.

She can now “walk for long distances”, ride her bike, and do Pilates “without daily pain”!