What is TTO?
A TTO, or Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy (also called a Fulkerson Osteotomy), is a surgery that helps fix kneecap problems like patellar instability or misalignment.
It works by changing the spot where the kneecap tendon connects to your shin bone (tibia). Moving this attachment helps the kneecap stay in the right place when your knee moves.
What does the surgery entail?
For this surgery, the doctor makes a cut a few centimeters below your kneecap on the upper part of your shin bone.
The tibial tubercle is the bump on your shin bone where the tendon from your kneecap attaches. The surgeon cuts and moves this piece of bone to a better position, then holds it in place with screws.
This helps guide your kneecap so it tracks (moves) properly when you bend or straighten your knee.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients can go home the same day as their surgery. Occasionally, patients will stay overnight if they need additional assistance with pain management.
What are the possible risks and complications of surgery?
As with any surgery there is a risk of blood clot, nerve damage, and postoperative infection. Specific risks and complications include but aren’t limited to failure to heal, fracture, and hardware complications.
When can I drive?
With the left leg, it's ok to drive once you are off opioid medication and you can safely and easily bend your knee to 90 degrees, for the right leg, it depends on when you can safely regain your reaction time in order to keep you and others safe. This is typically around 8-10 weeks postoperatively but depends on your individual surgery and your recovery.
When can I resume jogging?
When you have demonstrated optimal single leg strength, often assessed by the ability to safely perform a controlled single leg step down, and completed a return to run progression under the supervision of your physical therapist and surgeon, you can begin jogging. This often starts with stationary bicycling with transition to elliptical and then treadmill intervals before full return to running.