Trochleoplasty: Historical Overview and Dejour Technique

Trochleoplasty has become more popular because of a better knowledge of knee anatomy and biomechanics. The greater availability of surgical instruments and better imaging of the dysplastic factors are also important. The technical difficulty of the sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty is based on the fact that surgeons aim to reshape what is usually an extremely dysplastic articular surface of the trochlea, but without damaging it. When patients are prudently selected and the surgical rationale is carefully followed, several authors present very encouraging results from the application of trochleoplasty with other procedures. Results are more favorable especially in patients with severe trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar dislocation, in whom the "benign neglect" of dysplasia and their approach with more "conventional or traditional surgery" would lead to less favorable results. The surgical steps and technical pearls of the procedure are described in this review.