Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the improvement in quality of life (QoL) following isolated anatomical double-bundle medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Methods This is a single-centre, prospective study of 56 consecutive patients (57 knees) who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction between 2014 and 2017. Functional outcome and QoL were assessed with the Kujala score and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, respectively. Objective outcomes were obtained through clinical examination at the latest follow-up assessing redislocation rate, patella apprehension test, patellar tilt, pain and range of motion.
ResultsThe median Kujala score increased from 60 (range 31-96) to 92 (range 34-100) at latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The median EQ-5D index also increased, from 0.69 (range 0.10-1) at baseline to 1 (range 0.16-1) at latest follow-up (p < 0.001), as well as the median EQ-5D VAS from 75 (range 20-95) to 92 (range 40-100) (p < 0.001). Four dimensions of the EQ-5D were signiicantly improved except for the anxiety/depression scores. Female patients reported lower scores at baseline and at latest follow-up, for all three outcomes (Kujala, EQ-5D index, EQ-5D VAS), however there was no evidence that gender negatively impacted on the beneit of surgery. The re-dislocation rate was 0%. Apprehension and patellar tilt test were negative in all patients and no lexion deicit was identiied at latest follow-up. Two patients had tenderness along the reconstruction requiring femoral screw removal in one of them. Conclusions Isolated anatomical double-bundle aperture MPFL reconstruction, ofered signiicantly improved short-term QoL along with excellent functional outcome. Female patients scored lower, but this did not afect the overall outcome. Including QoL tools in the assessment of ligament reconstruction operations, such as the MPFL, can provide more accurate understanding of the overall patient beneit. Level of evidence II.