Skip to main content

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Indications and Surgical Technique

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Patellar instability has been shown to be associated with four major factors. These factors are trochlear dysplasia, patellar height, lateral offset, medial retinacular restraint [22]. As other chapters will concern themselves with these first three factors, we will focus on the soft tissue medial retinacular restraint. It is the authors’ view that medial retinacular restraint must be addressed to provide patellar stability, either in isolation or in conjunction with other procedures as indicated. Studies have demonstrated that soft tissue reconstructions are sufficient to reestablish patellar constraint. For instance systematic review of eight studies was performed to determine if medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is an appropriate procedure for patient with patellar instability [51]. Although the techniques, indications and follow-up outcome measures varied, of the 155 knees, only six had postoperative patellar dislocation or ­subluxation episodes.

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

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Ahmad CS et al (2000) Immediate surgical repair of the medial patellar stabilizers for acute patellar dislocation: a review of eight cases. Am J Sports Med 28(6):804–10

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Andrade A, Thomas N (2002) Randomized comparison of operative vs. nonoperative treatment following first time patellar dislocation. European Society for Sports, Knee and Arthroscopy, Rome.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Avikainen VJ, Nikku RK, Seppanen-Lehmonen TK (1993) Adductor magnus tenodesis for patellar dislocation: technique and preliminary results. Clin Orthop 297:12–16

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Bassett FH (1976) Acute dislocation of the patella, osteochondral fractures, and injuries to the extensor mechanism of the knee. In: Burke E (ed) Amer Acad Orth Surg Instr Course Lect. C. V. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, pp 40–49

    Google Scholar 

  5. Brown CH, Sklar JH, Darwich N (2004) Endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autogenous doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons. Tech Knee Surg 3(4):215–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Brown CH Jr, Steiner ME, Carson EW (1993) The use of hamstring tendons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Technique and results. Clin Sports Med 12(4):723–756

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Camanho GL et al (2009) Conservative versus surgical treatment for repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament in acute dislocations of the patella. Arthroscopy 25(6): 620–625

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Chassaing V, Tremoulet J (2005) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with gracilis autograft for patellar instability. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 91(4):335–340

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Christiansen SE et al (2008) Isolated repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament in primary dislocation of the patella: a prospective randomized study. Arthroscopy 24(8):881–887

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Conlan T, Garth WP Jr, Lemons JE (1993) Evaluation of the medial soft-tissue restraints of the extensor mechanism of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am 75(5):682–693

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Cossey AJ, Paterson R (2005) A new technique for reconstructing the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee 12(2):93–98

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Deie M et al (2003) Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for the treatment of habitual or recurrent dislocation of the patella in children. J Bone Joint Surg Br 85(6):887–890

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Deie M et al (2005) A long-term follow-up study after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using the transferred semitendinosus tendon for patellar dislocation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 13(7):522–528

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

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

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Elias DA, White LM, Fithian DC (2002) Acute lateral patellar dislocation at MR imaging: injury patterns of medial patellar soft-tissue restraints and osteochondral injuries of the inferomedial patella. Radiology 225(3):736–743

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Ellera Gomes JL (1992) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent dislocation of the patella: a preliminary report. Arthroscopy 8(3):335–340

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Ellera Gomes JL et al. (2004) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft for chronic patellar instability: a follow-up study. Arthroscopy 20(2):147–151

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Erasmus PJ (1998) Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in recurrent traumatic patellar dislocation. Arthroscopy 14(S42 (Suppl, abstract))

    Google Scholar 

  20. Erasmus PJ et al (2005) Surgical management of patellar instability. S Afr Orth J 4(1):33–35

    Google Scholar 

  21. Fernandez E, Sala D, Castejon M (2005) Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for patellar instability using a semitendinosus autograft. Acta Orthop Belg 71(3): 303–308

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Fithian D, Neyret P, Servien E (2007) Patellar instability: the Lyon experience. Tech Knee Surg 6(2):112–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Fithian DC, Meier SW (1999) The case for advancement and repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament in patients with recurrent patellar instability. Op Tech Sports Med 7(2):81–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Fithian DC et al (1995) Instrumented measurement of patellar mobility. Am J Sports Med 23(5):607–615

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Fithian DC et al (2004) Epidemiology and natural history of acute patellar dislocation. Am J Sports Med 32(5):1114–1121

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Garth WP Jr, DiChristina DG, Holt G (2000) Delayed proximal repair and distal realignment after patellar dislocation. Clin Orthop 377:132–144

    Google Scholar 

  27. Hautamaa PV et al (1998) Medial soft tissue restraints in lateral patellar instability and repair. Clin Orthop 349: 174–182

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Kirsch MD et al (1993) Transient lateral patellar disloca­­tion: diagnosis with MR imaging. Am J Roentgenol 161(1): 109–113

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Kolowich PA et al (1990) Lateral release of the patella: Indications and contraindications. Am J Sports Med 18(4): 359–365

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Kujala UM et al (1986) Factors predisposing to patellar chondropathy and patellar apicitis in athletes. Int Orthop 10(3):195–200

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Maenpaa H, Lehto MU (1995) Surgery in acute patellar dislocation–evaluation of the effect of injury mechanism and family occurrence on the outcome of treatment. Br J Sports Med 29(4):239–241

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Mikashima Y et al (2004) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability. Acta Orthop Belg 70(6):545–550

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Muneta T et al (1999) A technique for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Clin Orthop 359:151–155

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Nikku R et al (1997) Operative versus closed treatment of primary dislocation of the patella: Similar 2-year results in 125 randomized patients. Acta Orthop Scand 68(5):419–423

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Nomura E (1999) Classification of lesions of the medial patello-femoral ligament in patellar dislocation. Int Orthop 23(5):260–263

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Nomura E, Inoue M (2003) Surgical technique and rationale for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation. Arthroscopy 19(5):47E

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Nomura E, Inoue M (2004) Injured medial patellofemoral ligament in acute patellar dislocation. J Knee Surg 17(1):40–46

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Nomura E, Horiuchi Y, Kihara M (2000) A mid-term follow-up of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an artificial ligament for recurrent patellar dislocation. Knee 7(4):211–215

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Nomura E, Horiuchi Y, Kihara M (2000) Medial patellofemoral ligament restraint in lateral patellar translation and reconstruction. Knee 7(2):121–127

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Philippot R et al (2009) Medial patellofemoral ligament anatomy: implications for its surgical reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 17(5):475–479

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Reider B, Marshall JL, Warren RF (1981) Clinical characteristics of patellar disorders in young athletes. Am J Sports Med 9(4):270–274

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Sallay PI et al (1996) Acute dislocation of the patella: a correlative pathoanatomic study. Am J Sports Med 24(1):52–60

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Sanders TG et al (2001) Medial patellofemoral ligament injury following acute transient dislocation of the patella: MR findings with surgical correlation in 14 patients. J Comput Assist Tomogr 25(6):957–962

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Sargent JR, Teipner WA (1971) Medial patellar retinacular repair for acute and recurrent dislocation of the patella: a preliminary report. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 53:386–387

    Google Scholar 

  45. Schock EJ, Burks RT (2001) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using a hamstring graft. Op Tech Sports Med 9(3):169–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Schottle P, Fucentese S, Romero J (2005) Clinical and radiological outcome of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with a semitendinosus autograft for patella instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 13(7): 516–521

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Schottle PB et al (2007) Radiographic landmarks for femoral tunnel placement in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 35(5):801–4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Sillanpaa PJ et al (2008) Arthroscopic surgery for primary traumatic patellar dislocation: a prospective, nonrandomized study comparing patients treated with and without acute arthroscopic stabilization with a median 7-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med 36(12):2301–2309

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Skalley TC, Terry GC, Teitge RA (1993) The quantitative measurement of normal passive medial and lateral patellar motion limits. Am J Sports Med 21(5):728–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Smirk C, Morris H (2003) The anatomy and reconstruc­­tion of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee 10(3): 221–227

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Smith TO, Walker J, Russell N (2007) Outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellar instability: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 15(11):1301–1314

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Steensen RN, Dopirak RM, McDonald WG 3rd (2004) The anatomy and isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament: implications for reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 32(6):1509–1513

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Steensen RN, Dopirak RM, Maurus PB (2005) A simple technique for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a quadriceps tendon graft. Arthroscopy 21(3):365–370

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Teitge RA, Torga-Spak R (2004) Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Orthopedics 27(10):1037–1040

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Teitge RA et al (1996) Stress radiographs of the patellofemoral joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am 78(2):193–203

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Thaunat M, Erasmus PJ (2009) Management of overtight medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 17(5):480–483

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Tuxoe JI et al (2002) The medial patellofemoral ligament: a dissection study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 10(3):138–140

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Vainionpaa S et al (1986) Acute dislocation of the patella: Clinical, radiographic and operative findings in 64 consecutive cases. Acta Orthop Scand 57(4):331–333

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Justin J. Gent MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gent, J.J., Johnson, B.D., Fithian, D.C. (2010). Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Indications and Surgical Technique. In: Zaffagnini, S., Dejour, D., Arendt, E. (eds) Patellofemoral Pain, Instability, and Arthritis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05424-2_20

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05424-2_20

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-05423-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-05424-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics