The sulcus deepening trochleoplasty—the Lyon’s procedure

Sulcus deepening trochleoplasty is a technically demanding procedure with precise indications: high grade trochlear dysplasia with patellar instability and/or abnormal tracking. The main goal is to decrease the prominence of the trochlea and to create a new groove with normal depth, thus optimising patellar tracking. Associated abnormalities should be specifically treated. Recurrence of instability is very rare after this procedure and is more likely to result from missed associated abnormalities. Although results seem very good in terms of instability, further evidence is still needed since the groups of patients in the published series are heterogeneous. Trochleoplasty is not indicated for patellofemoral arthritis or pain. As any surgical procedure, sulcus deepening trochleoplasty is liable to complications.