Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Avoiding Complications with MPFL Reconstruction

  • Advances in Patellofemoral Surgery (L Redler, section editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To discuss the potentially significant complications associated with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Additionally, to review the most current and relevant literature with an emphasis on avoiding these potential complications.

Recent Findings

Multiple cadaveric studies have characterized the anatomy of the MPFL and the related morphologic abnormalities that contribute to recurrent lateral patellar instability. Such abnormalities include patella alta, excessive tibial tubercle to trochlear grove (TT-TG) distance, trochlear dysplasia, and malalignment. Recent studies have evaluated the clinical outcomes associated with the treatment of concomitant pathology in combination with MPFL reconstruction, which is critical in avoiding recurrent instability and complications.

Summary

Although there remains a lack of consensus regarding various critical aspects of MPFL reconstruction, certain concepts remain imperative. Our preferred methods and rationales for surgical techniques are described. These include appropriate work up, a combination of procedures to address abnormal morphology, anatomical femoral insertion, safe and secure patellar fixation, appropriate graft length fixation, and thoughtful knee flexion during fixation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Fithian DC, Paxton EW, Stone ML, Silva P, Davis DK, Elias DA, et al. Epidemiology and natural history of acute patellar dislocation. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(5):1114–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546503260788.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Arendt EA, Fithian DC, Cohen E. Current concepts of lateral patella dislocation. Clin Sports Med. 2002;21(3):499–519.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Atkin DM, Fithian DC, Marangi KS, Stone ML, Dobson BE, Mendelsohn C. Characteristics of patients with primary acute lateral patellar dislocation and their recovery within the first 6 months of injury. Am J Sports Med. 2000;28(4):472–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465000280040601.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Biedert R, Friederich N. Femoropatellar pain syndrome: which operation is still sensible? Ther Umsch. 1996;53(10):775–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Oestern S, Varoga D, Lippross S, et al. Patella dislocation. Unfallchirurg. 2011;114(4):345–58; quiz 359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00113-011-2012-z.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Laidlaw MS, Diduch DR. Current concepts in the management of patellar instability. Indian J Orthop. 2017;51(5):493–504. http://proxy01.its.virginia.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=125093932&site=ehost-live&scope=site. https://doi.org/10.4103/ortho.IJOrtho_164_17.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Palmu S, Kallio PE, Donell ST, Helenius I, Nietosvaara Y. Acute patellar dislocation in children and adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90(3):463–70. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.G.00072.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Ries Z, Bollier M. Patellofemoral instability in active adolescents. J Knee Surg. 2015;28(4):265–77. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1549017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Bitar AC, Demange MK, D'Elia CO, Camanho GL. Traumatic patellar dislocation: nonoperative treatment compared with MPFL reconstruction using patellar tendon. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(1):114–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546511423742.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Camanho GL, Viegas Ade C, Bitar AC, Demange MK, Hernandez AJ. Conservative versus surgical treatment for repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament in acute dislocations of the patella. Arthroscopy. 2009;25(6):620–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2008.12.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Maenpaa H, Huhtala H, Lehto MU. Recurrence after patellar dislocation. Redislocation in 37/75 patients followed for 6-24 years. Acta Orthop Scand. 1997;68(5):424–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Smith TO, Song F, Donell ST, Hing CB. Operative versus non-operative management of patellar dislocation. A meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(6):988–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1355-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Conlan T, Garth WP, Jr LJE. Evaluation of the medial soft-tissue restraints of the extensor mechanism of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993;75(5):682–93.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Desio SM, Burks RT, Bachus KN. Soft tissue restraints to lateral patellar translation in the human knee. Am J Sports Med. 1998;26(1):59–65. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465980260012701.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Hautamaa PV, Fithian DC, Kaufman KR, Daniel DM, Pohlmeyer AM. Medial soft tissue restraints in lateral patellar instability and repair. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998;349(349):174–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Elias DA, White LM, Fithian DC. Acute lateral patellar dislocation at MR imaging: injury patterns of medial patellar soft-tissue restraints and osteochondral injuries of the inferomedial patella. Radiology. 2002;225(3):736–43. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2253011578.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Steensen RN, Bentley JC, Trinh TQ, Backes JR, Wiltfong RE. The prevalence and combined prevalences of anatomic factors associated with recurrent patellar dislocation: a magnetic resonance imaging study. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(4):921–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514563904.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Hinterwimmer S, Imhoff AB, Minzlaff P, Saier T, Rosenstiel N, Hawe W, et al. Anatomical two-bundle medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with hardware-free patellar graft fixation: technical note and preliminary results. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(9):2147–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2498-8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kita K, Tanaka Y, Toritsuka Y, Amano H, Uchida R, Takao R, et al. Factors affecting the outcomes of double-bundle medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocations evaluated by multivariate analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(12):2988–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515606102.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Shah JN, Howard JS, Flanigan DC, Brophy RH, Carey JL, Lattermann C. A systematic review of complications and failures associated with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(8):1916–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546512442330.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Insall J, Salvati E. Patella position in the normal knee joint. Radiology. 1971;101(1):101–4. https://doi.org/10.1148/101.1.101.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Dejour H, Walch G, Nove-Josserand L, Guier C. Factors of patellar instability: an anatomic radiographic study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1994;2(1):19–26.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Sanchis-Alfonso V. How to deal with chronic patellar instability: what does the literature tell us? Sports Health. 2016;8(1):86–90. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738115604156.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Seitlinger G, Scheurecker G, Hogler R, Labey L, Innocenti B, Hofmann S. Tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament distance: a new measurement to define the position of the tibial tubercle in patients with patellar dislocation. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(5):1119–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546512438762.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Heidenreich MJ, Camp CL, Dahm DL, Stuart MJ, Levy BA, Krych AJ. The contribution of the tibial tubercle to patellar instability: analysis of tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) and tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) distances. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(8):2347–51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3715-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Camp CL, Heidenreich MJ, Dahm DL, Stuart MJ, Levy BA, Krych AJ. Individualizing the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance: patellar instability ratios that predict recurrent instability. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(2):393–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515602483.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Camp CL, Stuart MJ, Krych AJ, Levy BA, Bond JR, Collins MS, et al. CT and MRI measurements of tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distances are not equivalent in patients with patellar instability. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(8):1835–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513484895.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Anley CM, Morris GV, Saithna A, James SL, Snow M. Defining the role of the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove and tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament distances in the work-up of patients with patellofemoral disorders. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(6):1348–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515576128.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Bollier M, Fulkerson JP. The role of trochlear dysplasia in patellofemoral instability. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(1):8–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Wagner D, Pfalzer F, Hingelbaum S, Huth J, Mauch F, Bauer G. The influence of risk factors on clinical outcomes following anatomical medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using the gracilis tendon. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(2):318–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2015-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Pritsch T, Haim A, Arbel R, Snir N, Shasha N, Dekel S. Tailored tibial tubercle transfer for patellofemoral malalignment: analysis of clinical outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(8):994–1002. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-007-0325-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Krych AJ, O'Malley MP, Johnson NR, et al. Functional testing and return to sport following stabilization surgery for recurrent lateral patellar instability in competitive athletes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;26:711–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4409-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Payne J, Rimmke N, Schmitt LC, Flanigan DC, Magnussen RA. The incidence of complications of tibial tubercle osteotomy: a systematic review. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(9):1819–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2015.03.028.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Dejour D, Saggin P. The sulcus deepening trochleoplasty—the Lyon’s procedure. Int Orthop. 2010;34(2):311–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-009-0933-8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Amis AA, Oguz C, Bull AM, Senavongse W, Dejour D. The effect of trochleoplasty on patellar stability and kinematics: a biomechanical study in vitro. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2008;90(7):864–9. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.90B7.20447.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Van Haver A, De Roo K, De Beule M, et al. The effect of trochlear dysplasia on patellofemoral biomechanics: a cadaveric study with simulated trochlear deformities. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(6):1354–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515572143.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Pfirrmann CW, Zanetti M, Romero J, Hodler J. Femoral trochlear dysplasia: MR findings. Radiology. 2000;216(3):858–64. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.216.3.r00se38858.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Donell ST, Joseph G, Hing CB, Marshall TJ. Modified dejour trochleoplasty for severe dysplasia: operative technique and early clinical results. Knee. 2006;13(4):266–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. McNamara I, Bua N, Smith TO, Ali K, Donell ST. Deepening trochleoplasty with a thick osteochondral flap for patellar instability: clinical and functional outcomes at a mean 6-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(11):2706–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515597679.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Verdonk R, Jansegers E, Stuyts B. Trochleoplasty in dysplastic knee trochlea. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005;13(7):529–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-004-0570-0.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Ntagiopoulos PG, Byn P, Dejour D. Midterm results of comprehensive surgical reconstruction including sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty in recurrent patellar dislocations with high-grade trochlear dysplasia. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(5):998–1004. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513482302.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. von Knoch F, Bohm T, Burgi ML, von Knoch M, Bereiter H. Trochleaplasty for recurrent patellar dislocation in association with trochlear dysplasia. A 4- to 14-year follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2006;88(10):1331–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Longo UG, Berton A, Salvatore G, Migliorini F, Ciuffreda M, Nazarian A, et al. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction combined with bony procedures for patellar instability: current indications, outcomes, and complications. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(7):1421–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2016.01.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Camathias C, Studer K, Kiapour A, Rutz E, Vavken P. Trochleoplasty as a solitary treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation results in good clinical outcome in adolescents. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(11):2855–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Buchanan G, Torres L, Czarkowski B, Giangarra CE. Current concepts in the treatment of gross patellofemoral instability. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016;11(6):867–76.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Hinckel BB, Arendt EA. Lateral retinaculum lengthening or release. Oper Tech Sports Med. 2015;23(2):100–6. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.otsm.2015.02.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Hughston JC, Deese M. Medial subluxation of the patella as a complication of lateral retinacular release. Am J Sports Med. 1988;16(4):383–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354658801600413.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. McCarthy MA, Bollier MJ. Medial patella subluxation: diagnosis and treatment. Iowa Orthop J. 2015;35:26–33.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Sanchis-Alfonso V, Merchant AC. Iatrogenic medial patellar instability: an avoidable injury. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(8):1628–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2015.01.028.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Pagenstert G, Wolf N, Bachmann M, Gravius S, Barg A, Hintermann B, et al. Open lateral patellar retinacular lengthening versus open retinacular release in lateral patellar hypercompression syndrome: a prospective double-blinded comparative study on complications and outcome. Arthroscopy. 2012;28(6):788–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2011.11.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. O’Neill DB. Open lateral retinacular lengthening compared with arthroscopic release. A prospective, randomized outcome study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(12):1759–69.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Swarup I, Elattar O, Rozbruch SR. Patellar instability treated with distal femoral osteotomy. Knee. 2017;24(3):608–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Kearney SP, Mosca VS. Selective hemiepiphyseodesis for patellar instability with associated genu valgum. J Orthop. 2015;12(1):17–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2015.01.005.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Nelitz M, Dreyhaupt J, Williams SR, Dornacher D. Combined supracondylar femoral derotation osteotomy and patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation and severe femoral anteversion syndrome: surgical technique and clinical outcome. Int Orthop. 2015;39(12):2355–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2859-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Arendt EA, Moeller A, Agel J. Clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament repair in recurrent (chronic) lateral patella dislocations. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(11):1909–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1516-y.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Camp CL, Krych AJ, Dahm DL, Levy BA, Stuart MJ. Medial patellofemoral ligament repair for recurrent patellar dislocation. Am J Sports Med. 2010;38(11):2248–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546510376230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Drez D, Jr ETB, Williams CS. Results of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of patellar dislocation. Arthroscopy. 2001;17(3):298–306.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Ellera Gomes JL. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent dislocation of the patella: a preliminary report. Arthroscopy. 1992;8(3):335–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Ellera Gomes JL, Stigler Marczyk LR, Cesar de Cesar P, Jungblut CF. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft for chronic patellar instability: a follow-up study. Arthroscopy. 2004;20(2):147–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2003.11.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Dragoo JL, Nguyen M, Gatewood CT, Taunton JD, Young S. Medial patellofemoral ligament repair versus reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability: two-year results of an algorithm-based approach. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017;5(3):2325967116689465. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967116689465.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Stephen JM, Kaider D, Lumpaopong P, Deehan DJ, Amis AA. The effect of femoral tunnel position and graft tension on patellar contact mechanics and kinematics after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(2):364–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513509230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Stephen JM, Lumpaopong P, Deehan DJ, Kader D, Amis AA. The medial patellofemoral ligament: location of femoral attachment and length change patterns resulting from anatomic and nonanatomic attachments. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(8):1871–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546512449998.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Hopper GP, Leach WJ, Rooney BP, Walker CR, Blyth MJ. Does degree of trochlear dysplasia and position of femoral tunnel influence outcome after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction? Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(3):716–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513518413.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Burrus MT, Werner BC, Conte EJ, Diduch DR. Troubleshooting the femoral attachment during medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: location, location, location. Orthop J Sports Med. 2015;3(1):232596711556919. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967115569198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Schottle PB, Schmeling A, Rosenstiel N, Weiler A. Radiographic landmarks for femoral tunnel placement in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35(5):801–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Redfern J, Kamath G, Burks R. Anatomical confirmation of the use of radiographic landmarks in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2010;38(2):293–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546509347602.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Jaecker V, Brozat B, Banerjee M, Otchwemah R, Bouillon B, Shafizadeh S. Fluoroscopic control allows for precise tunnel positioning in MPFL reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(9):2688–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3613-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Smirk C, Morris H. The anatomy and reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee. 2003;10(3):221–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Ziegler CG, Fulkerson JP, Edgar C. Radiographic reference points are inaccurate with and without a true lateral radiograph: the importance of anatomy in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(1):133–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515611652.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Nguyen CV, Farrow LD, Liu RW, Gilmore A. Safe drilling paths in the distal femoral epiphysis for pediatric medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2017;45(5):1085–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546516677795.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Fujino K, Tajima G, Yan J, Kamei Y, Maruyama M, Takeda S, et al. Morphology of the femoral insertion site of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(4):998–1003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2797-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Sanchis-Alfonso V, Ramirez-Fuentes C, Montesinos-Berry E, Aparisi-Rodriguez F, Marti-Bonmati L. Does radiographic location ensure precise anatomic location of the femoral fixation site in medial patellofemoral ligament surgery? Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(9):2838–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3523-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Matthews JJ, Schranz P. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a longitudinal patellar tunnel technique. Int Orthop. 2010;34(8):1321–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-009-0918-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Schottle PB, Hensler D, Imhoff AB. Anatomical double-bundle MPFL reconstruction with an aperture fixation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(2):147–51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0868-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Sillanpaa PJ, Maenpaa HM, Mattila VM, Visuri T, Pihlajamaki H. A mini-invasive adductor magnus tendon transfer technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: a technical note. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2009;17(5):508–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-008-0713-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Carnesecchi O, Neri T, Di Iorio A, Farizon F, Philippot R. Results of anatomic gracilis MPFL reconstruction with precise tensioning. Knee. 2015;22(6):580–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knee.2015.01.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Mariani PP, Liguori L, Cerullo G, Iannella G, Floris L. Arthroscopic patellar reinsertion of the MPFL in acute patellar dislocations. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(4):628–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1315-x.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Siebold R, Chikale S, Sartory N, Hariri N, Feil S, Passler HH. Hamstring graft fixation in MPFL reconstruction at the patella using a transosseous suture technique. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(11):1542–4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1147-8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Song SY, Kim IS, Chang HG, Shin JH, Kim HJ, Seo YJ. Anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using patellar suture anchor fixation for recurrent patellar instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(10):2431–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2730-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Schiphouwer L, Rood A, Tigchelaar S, Koeter S. Complications of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using two transverse patellar tunnels. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(1):245–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4245-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Burrus MT, Werner BC, Cancienne JM, Gwathmey FW, Diduch DR. MPFL graft fixation in low degrees of knee flexion minimizes errors made in the femoral location. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(10):3092–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4111-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Feller JA, Richmond AK, Wasiak J. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction as an isolated or combined procedure for recurrent patellar instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(10):2470–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3132-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Lippacher S, Dreyhaupt J, Williams SR, Reichel H, Nelitz M. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament: clinical outcomes and return to sports. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(7):1661–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514529640.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Nelitz M, Dreyhaupt J, Reichel H, Woelfle J, Lippacher S. Anatomic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in children and adolescents with open growth plates: surgical technique and clinical outcome. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(1):58–63. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546512463683.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Nomura E, Horiuchi Y, Kihara M. A mid-term follow-up of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an artificial ligament for recurrent patellar dislocation. Knee. 2000;7(4):211–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Lorbach O, Zumbansen N, Kieb M, et al. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: Impact of knee flexion angle during graft fixation on dynamic patellofemoral contact pressure-A biomechanical study. Arthroscopy. 2018.

  87. Beck P, Brown NA, Greis PE, Burks RT. Patellofemoral contact pressures and lateral patellar translation after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35(9):1557–63. doi: 0363546507300872 [pii]

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Sanchis-Alfonso V. Guidelines for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in chronic lateral patellar instability. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2014;22(3):175–82. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-22-03-175.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David R. Diduch.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

David R. Diduch reports personal fees from Depuy Mitek and grants from Zimmer outside of the submitted work. Brian C. Werner reports research support from Arthrex, Inc. and Biomet, Inc., outside of the submitted work, and is a committee member for AOSSM. Marvin K. Smith has no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Advances in Patellofemoral Surgery

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Smith, M.K., Werner, B.C. & Diduch, D.R. Avoiding Complications with MPFL Reconstruction. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 11, 241–252 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-018-9479-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-018-9479-y

Keywords

Navigation