What is patella surgery?
There patella surgery concerns pathologies of the patellofemoral joint, that is, the articulation between the kneecap (patella) and the femur. This joint is essential for the stability and movement of the knee. When the kneecap is poorly positioned or unstable, it can cause chronic pain, recurrent dislocations or premature wear of the cartilage.
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 proposes a patella surgery in several specific situations:
- Repeated dislocations of the patella, despite well-conducted rehabilitation.
- Patellofemoral instability with apprehension or a feeling of being lost.
- Chronic resistant pain to medical treatments (physiotherapy, infiltrations).
- Patellofemoral dysplasia (anatomical malformation of the joint).
- Poor mechanical alignment of the knee or patella abnormalities detected on imaging.
Before any surgery, a full report is realized:
- Precise clinical examination,
- 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 ?
It doesn't exist a single kneecap surgery, but several techniques, adapted to each case:
- Recentering the patella, to correct a bad axis.
- Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, in case of chronic instability.
- Lateral release, if excessive tension pulls the kneecap outward.
- Bone correction, when the axis of the lower limb is pathological.
- Gestures on cartilage, in the event 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 consequences of a patella surgery vary depending on the procedure performed. After patellar re-centering or ligament reconstruction, a protective splint 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 the patella surgery are generally very satisfactory, especially when the surgical indication is well established and rehabilitation is rigorously followed. Patients often note:
- 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 rigorous post-operative monitoring 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.
There patella surgery, combined with appropriate rehabilitation, allows in many cases to regain a stable, painless and fully functional knee.
