Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Suture Tape for Patellofemoral Joint Instability

Abstract

Objective To describe a surgical technique using suture tape for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). This technique restores the stability of the reconstructed ligament and has excellent postoperative outcomes. Method This is a retrospective analysis. From January 2016 to June 2018, 17 patients underwent MPFL reconstruction using high‐strength suture (FiberTape; Arthrex) augmentation, with at least 12 months of follow up. There were 11 female and 6 male patients. The mean age at the time of MPFL reconstruction was 22.1 years (range 13–34 years). Clinical outcomes included pain level, knee range of motion, passive patellar hypermobility, and maltracking at follow‐up. The lateral patellofemoral angles, congruence angles, and patellar tilt angles were measured in a skyline view by CT at 30° of knee flexion at 12 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the SF‐12 score, the Tegner score, and the Crosby and Insall grading system at yearly follow‐up. Result No patients were lost at the last follow up. One patient had recurrence of patellar dislocation and none of the others had serious complications. The success rate of MPFL repair for preventing recurrent dislocations was 94.1% (16 of 17 knees). Fifteen knees had full range of motion of more than 130°. At follow‐up, 2 knees were judged to have mild hypermobility and none had severe hypermobility or maltracking. Using the Crosby and Insall grading system, 12 knees (70.6%) were graded as excellent, 4 knees (23.5%) as good, 1 knee (5.9%) as fair to poor, and none as worse at the last follow‐up assessment. In all patients, the Lysholm knee score (55.12 ± 13.52 vs 79.88 ± 7.50, P < 0.01), the SF‐12 score (47 ± 9.53 vs 65.24 ± 12.82, P < 0.01), and the Tegner score (2.76 ± 1.39 vs 6.53 ± 1.70, P < 0.01) had improved at their 12‐month follow up. Compared with preoperative radiological findings, there was a significant improvement in lateral patellofemoral angle (−10.24 ± 7.10 vs 6 ± 5.43, P < 0.01), patellar tilt angle (26.53 ± 7.23 vs 9.88 ± 4.24, P < 0.01), and congruence angle (29.59 ± 11.95 vs −8.65 ± 4.86, P < 0.01). Conclusion The use of FiberTape in MPFL reconstruction can improve the stability of the knee following surgery and has good midterm clinical results and low complication rates.

MPFL repair after acute first-time patellar dislocation results in lower redislocation rates and less knee pain compared to rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…MPFL repair is best indicated as a management option in the acute setting for irst-time patellar dislocations. Notably, another surgical option that has been found to be eicacious in the acute setting is MPFL reconstruction, with studies showing redislocation rates ranging from 0-9% [5,23,34,39,61]. MPFL repair is most optimal in the presence of a patella-or femoral-based avulsion [11].…”

Anatomo-radyographic study in individuals with and without medial patellofemoral ligament rupture

“…Therefore, individuals between the ages of 18-36 were included in the 15-year screening period in our study. Greater than two dislocations events lead to a rate of patellar instability greater than 50% [10]. The integral component of the extensor mechanism of the knee joint is the patella.…”

Changes in patellar morphology following surgical correction of recurrent patellar dislocation in children

“…The 35 immature patients [mean age, 7.8 years (range, 5–10 years)] with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent surgical or conservative treatment in the study. Each patient had a tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance (TT–TG), congruence angle (CA) and patellar tilt angle ( PTA) examination on CT scans to assess the alignment of the patello-femoral joint preoperatively and at the last follow-up [ 13 , 14 ]. According to CT images of the knee joint, the patellar morphology was analyzed on particular axial views.…”