What is patella surgery?
Patellar surgery addresses pathologies of the patellofemoral joint, that is, the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the femur. This joint is essential for the stability and movement of the knee. When the kneecap is misaligned or unstable, it can cause chronic pain, recurrent dislocations, or premature cartilage wear.
Patella surgery is primarily indicated for chronic instability, repeated dislocations, or persistent pain that no longer responds to medical treatment or rehabilitation. The goal is to restore the patella's normal trajectory, stabilize the joint, and relieve pain while preventing recurrence.
When should surgery be considered ?
Dr. Coulin offers patellar surgery in several specific situations:
- Repeated dislocations of the kneecap, despite well-conducted rehabilitation.
- Femoro-patellar instability with apprehension or sensation of giving way.
- Chronic pain resistant to medical treatments (physiotherapy, injections).
- Femoro-patellar dysplasia (anatomical malformation of the joint).
- Mechanical misalignment of the knee or patellar abnormalities detected by imaging.
Before any surgery, a complete assessment is carried out:
- Clinical examination accurate,
- X-rays,
- MRI,
- and sometimes a scanner to analyze the axis of the knee, the shape of the trochlea (femoral groove), the height of the patella and mechanical constraints.
This step is essential to determine the best surgical strategy.
What does the intervention consist of ?
There is not just one type of kneecap surgery, but several techniques, adapted to each case:
- Ball joint recentering, to correct a bad axis.
- Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), in cases of chronic instability.
- Lateral release, if excessive tension pulls the kneecap outwards.
- Bone correction, when the axis of the lower limb is pathological.
- Procedures on the cartilage, in case of associated injury (microfractures, cartilage graft).
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, most often on an outpatient basis or during a short hospital stay.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
The recovery from patellar surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. After patellar realignment or ligament reconstruction, a protective brace may be necessary for a few weeks.
As a general rule:
- Walking with support is quickly possible.
- A targeted rehabilitation is essential for restoring knee mobility, strengthening the quadriceps and improving proprioception.
- The monitoring is personalized, with regular check-ups to adapt the recovery protocol.
This phase is essential to ensure a good functional result and prevent recurrences.
What results can you expect ?
The results of patellar surgery are generally very satisfactory, especially when the surgical indication is well-defined and rehabilitation is followed rigorously. Patients often observe:
- A disappearance of dislocation episodes.
- A significant reduction in pain.
- A gain in stability and confidence in the knee.
- A lasting functional improvement, allowing the resumption of daily and sporting activities.
Dr. Coulin pays particular attention to the prevention of recurrences and the long-term preservation of cartilage.
Tailor-made support
Patellar pathologies are sometimes complex and poorly understood. This is why a personalized approach is essential. Dr. Coulin offers:
- A thorough assessment of each patient.
- A precise biomechanical analysis.
- Modern surgical techniques adapted to each case.
- A post-operative follow-up rigorous to optimize recovery.
This comprehensive care aims not only to repair the joint, but also to restore the patient's confidence and quality of life.
Are you suffering from patellar instability or pain ?
Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to establish a precise diagnosis, analyze your tests and offer you a tailor-made solution. Depending on your profile and your objectives, the treatment may be medical, rehabilitative or surgical.
Patellar surgery, combined with appropriate rehabilitation, allows in many cases for the recovery of a stable, pain-free and fully functional knee.
