DISTTOL (Multi-Centre Study on Tibial Tuberosity Distalisation)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Distalising tibial tuberosity for lateral patella tendon conflict - a consecutive multi centre cohort study (DISTTOL)
IRAS ID
355561
Contact name
Matthew Hampton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
7 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tibial Tuberosity Osteotomy (TTO) is a surgical technique used to relieve chronic knee pain from Hoffa's fat pad impingement (also called lateral patella tendon conflict), where the patellar tendon irritates the underlying fat pad in the knee. During a TTO, surgeons reposition part of the shin bone (the tibial tuberosity, which is the small bump on the front of the shin) through a controlled cut in the bone (an osteotomy). This changes how the kneecap moves, aiming to fix issues like instability, which can lead to ongoing pain or dislocations. The goal is to restore normal knee function, reduce pain, and prevent the kneecap from dislocating. While TTO is a relatively common surgery for unstable kneecap problems and many surgeons see good short-term results, there's not a lot of long-term research on how well it works, what complications might arise, or what the recovery is like. We also need information from large groups of patients to understand the long-term effects of the surgery, including whether the condition might get worse over time or if more surgeries are needed.
This study is designed as a prospective cohort study across multiple centres in the UK, following patients forward in time to document long-term outcomes, as current research is lacking in this area. Researchers plan to enrol a targeted group of 50 patients (age over 16 years) receiving an isolated TTO with confirmed lateral patella conflict and patella alta as part of their current standard NHS management. The main objective of this research is to measure the change in clinical outcome scores (functional and pain levels) from before the operation to 1-year post-surgery using objective tests and patient-reported questionnaires. Secondary aims include tracking all complications and the need for revision surgery (safety), as well as assessing anatomical correction after the surgery.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1540
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion