The pie-crusting technique in knee surgery: Indications, technique, complications and outcomes


Şahbat Y., Akçaalan S., Güzel A., Turan K., GÜRSOY S.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, vol.13, no.2, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 13 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/jeo2.70783
  • Journal Name: Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: knee surgery, medial collateral ligament (MCL), meniscus, osteotomy, pie-crusting
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Pie-crusting represents a simple and widely utilised technique for controlled medial soft-tissue release across various knee procedures. When applied in a gradual and indication-driven manner, it can improve visualisation, facilitate instrumentation and reduce the risk of iatrogenic cartilage injury without causing clinically significant instability in most cases. However, the role of pie-crusting differs among surgical contexts, including meniscal repair, periarticular osteotomy and knee arthroplasty, and should be tailored to procedure-specific goals rather than applied routinely. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.