A Systematic Review of Complications and Failures Associated With Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

Although the medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) has been neglected regarding its function in patellar stability, recently, its importance in terminal extension and during flexion has been recognized. Indications for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament combined with the MPTL are extension subluxation, flexion instability, children with anatomic risk factors for patellar instability, and knee hyperextension associated with generalized laxity. We describe a combined reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with quadricipital tendon and reconstruction of the MPTL with patellar tendon autografts.L ateral patellar dislocation is responsible for 2% to 3% of all knee injuries and is the second leading cause of hemarthrosis. 1,2 The medial ligaments responsible for maintaining the stability of the patellofemoral joint are the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL), and medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML).There are several studies on the MPFL and its anatomic and biomechanical characteristics 2-6 ; however, little is known about the MPTL and MPML. 2,3,5,6 The first biomechanical studies showed that the MPFL contributes 50% to 60% to medial restriction during initial flexion (between 0 and 30 of flexion). [4][5][6] The contribution of the secondary restrictors varies among those studies, ranging from 0% to 24% for the MPTL and from 8% to 38% for the MPML. 3,5,6 However, in a more recent study, Philippot et al. 2 evaluated the medial ligaments in higher degrees of flexion (from 0 to 90 of flexion), showing that the contributions of the MPTL and MPML to lateral translation restriction increase from 26% in extension to 46% at 90 of flexion. In addition, the influences of the MPTL and MPML at 90 of flexion were 72% in patellar tilt and 92% in patellar rotation. 2 In the study by Philippot et al., the combined importance of the MPTL and MPML was evaluated rather than the isolated actions of each of these ligaments. In a clinical study, Garth et al. 7 observed the presence of clinical and arthroscopic subluxation in patients with isolated MPML lesions with the knee in extension. Thus the MPTL and MPML are important in maintaining normal kinematics of the patellofemoral joint in all ranges of motion, especially at extension and higher degrees of flexion.Usually, surgical treatment involves a combination of reconstruction of the injured MPFL and adjuvant procedures for better alignment and congruence of the patellofemoral joint. Several types of grafts have been described for the reconstruction of the MPFL, and they have shown good results. [8][9][10] In a systematic review of the complications associated with exclusive reconstruction of the MPFL, the observed complication rate was 26.1% of cases. Clinical failure presenting with persistence of

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament With Quadricipital Tendon and the Medial Patellotibial Ligament With Patellar Tendon

Hinckel

Gobbi

Demange

et al. 2016

“…A significant percentage of complications associated with MPFL reconstruction occur because of technical errors, which typically involve improper graft position or tension (or both). 15,16 Recurrent instability can occur when the graft is too loose or if fixation on either the femoral or patellar side fails. Conversely, over-tightening or malpositioning of the graft can lead to maltracking, stiffness, and excessive medial compressive forces.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Femoral Loop Button Fixation Technique

Godin¹,

Karas²,

Visgauss³

et al. 2015

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a common procedure used to treat both acute and chronic patellar instability. Although many variations of MPFL reconstruction have been described, there is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical technique. We describe a technique for MPFL reconstruction with a looped gracilis tendon autograft using suture anchors to secure the graft to the patella and a suspensory loop button system for fixation to the femur. This technique replicates the native shape of the MPFL while minimizing the risk of patellar fracture and allowing for gradual tensioning of the graft.

“…11,12 Because of the risk of patellar fracture, some surgeons advocate not drilling the patella. When we drill the patella using this technique, the tunnel is small (5 mm in diameter) and short (20 to 25 mm in length).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Semitendinosus Autograft

Wylie

Burks

2013

Patellar instability is a common complaint after traumatic dislocation of the patella. Traumatic dislocation always leads to tearing of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Treatment consists of recovery from the traumatic injury, followed by reconditioning and physical therapy to strengthen the dynamic stabilizers of the patella. In patients with recurrent instability, detailed evaluation of the cause is required to determine the needed interventions. In patients with an incompetent MPFL and recurrent instability, reconstruction is indicated, along with other procedures to address other contributing factors. This article details our technique for MPFL reconstruction using semitendinosus autograft, which can be performed alone or in concert with other realignment procedures.