MPFL Reconstruction and Patellofemoral Chondral Status

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, regardless of the presence of predisposing factors. A total of 21 knees that underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction from March 2014 to August 2017 were included in this retrospective series. Radiographs of the series of the knee at flexion angles of 20, 40, and 60 degrees were acquired. The patellar position was evaluated using the patellar tilt angle, sulcus angle, congruence angle (CA), and Caton-Deschamps and Blackburne-Peel ratios. To evaluate the clinical outcome, the preoperative and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scoring scales were analyzed. To evaluate the postoperative outcomes based on the predisposing factors, the results were separately analyzed for each group. Regarding radiologic outcomes, 20-degree CA was significantly reduced from 10.37 ± 5.96° preoperatively to −0.94 ± 4.11° postoperatively (p = 0.001). In addition, regardless of the predisposing factors, delta values of pre- and postoperation of 20-degree CA were not significantly different in both groups. The IKDC score improved from 53.71 (range: 18–74) preoperatively to 94.71 (range: 86–100) at the last follow-up (p = 0.004), and the Lysholm score improved from 54.28 (range: 10–81) preoperatively to 94.14 (range: 86–100) at the last follow-up (p = 0.010). Isolated MPFL reconstruction provides a safe and effective treatment for patellofemoral instability, even in the presence of mild predisposing factors, such as trochlear dysplasia, increased patella height, increased TT–TG distance, or valgus alignment. This is a Level 4, case series study.

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Correction to: Single‑ versus double‑bundle patellar graft insertion for isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability: a systematic review of the literature

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00402-021-04012-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Filippo Migliorini ◽

Andromahi Trivellas ◽

Giorgia Colarossi ◽

Jörg Eschweiler ◽

Markus Tingart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Patellofemoral Instability ◽

Double Bundle ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Single Versus ◽

Graft Insertion

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Interference Screw Versus Suture Anchors for Femoral Fixation in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121989282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712198928

Author(s):

Heath P. Gould ◽

Nicholas R. Delaney ◽

Brent G. Parks ◽

Roshan T. Melvani ◽

Richard Y. Hinton

Keyword(s):

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Interference Screw ◽

Biomechanical Study ◽

Graft Fixation ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Suture Anchors ◽

Femoral Fixation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Load To Failure ◽

The Mean

Background: Femoral-sided graft fixation in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is commonly performed using an interference screw (IS). However, the IS method is associated with several clinical disadvantages that may be ameliorated by the use of suture anchors (SAs) for femoral fixation. Purpose: To compare the load to failure and stiffness of SAs versus an IS for the femoral fixation of a semitendinosus autograft in MPFL reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Based on a priori power analysis, a total of 6 matched pairs of cadaveric knees were included. Specimens in each pair were randomly assigned to receive either SA or IS fixation. After an appropriate reconstruction procedure, the looped end of the MPFL graft was pulled laterally at a rate of 6 mm/s until construct failure. The best-fit slope of the load-displacement curve was then used to calculate the stiffness (N/mm) in a post hoc fashion. A paired t test was used to compare the mean load to failure and the mean stiffness between groups. Results: No significant difference in load to failure was observed between the IS and the SA fixation groups (294.0 ± 61.1 vs 250.0 ± 55.9; P = .352), although the mean stiffness was significantly higher in IS specimens (34.5 ± 9.6 vs 14.7 ± 1.2; P = .004). All IS reconstructions failed by graft pullout from the femoral tunnel, whereas 5 of the 6 SA reconstructions failed by anchor pullout. Conclusion: In this biomechanical study using a cadaveric model of MPFL reconstruction, SA femoral fixation was not significantly different from IS fixation in terms of load to failure. The mean load-to-failure values for both reconstruction techniques were greater than the literature-reported values for the native MPFL. Clinical Relevance: These results suggest that SAs are a biomechanically viable alternative for femoral-sided graft fixation in MPFL reconstruction.

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Comparable outcome for autografts and allografts in primary medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: systematic review and meta-analysis

Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy ◽

10.1007/s00167-021-06569-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Filippo Migliorini ◽

Andromahi Trivellas ◽

Jörg Eschweiler ◽

Matthias Knobe ◽

Markus Tingart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Patellofemoral Instability ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Feasible Alternative ◽

The Mean ◽

Persistent Instability

Abstract Purpose This study updates the current evidence on the role of allografts versus autografts for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability. Methods The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2021, a literature search in the main online databases was performed. Studies reporting quantitative data concerning primary MPFL reconstruction using an allograft were considered for inclusion. The Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected articles. Results Data from 12 studies (474 procedures) were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 42.2 (15–78.5) months. The mean age was 21.1 ± 6.2 years. 64.9% (285 of 439) of patients were female. At the last follow-up, the Tegner (p < 0.0001), Kujala (p = 0.002) and the Lysholm (p < 0.0001) scores were minimally greater in the autografts. The similarity was found in the rate of persistent instability sensation and revision. The allograft group evidenced a lower rate of re-dislocations (p = 0.003). Conclusion Allografts may represent a feasible alternative to traditional autograft for MPFL reconstruction in selected patients with patellofemoral instability. Allograft tendons yielded similar PROMs, rates of persistent instability, and revision. Allograft reconstructions tended to have modestly lower re-dislocation rates. Level of evidence IV.

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Tunnel-enlargement after MPFL reconstruction with a free gracilis graft does correlation with proximal tunnel malposition

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967117s00148 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (4_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967117S0014

Author(s):

Efe Turgay ◽

Almut Höger ◽

Jens Figiel ◽

Philip Roessler ◽

Karl-Friedrich Schüttler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Femoral Tunnel ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Tunnel Position ◽

Femoral Tunnel Position ◽

Femoral Tunnel Enlargement

Aims and Objectives: In current literature only one study investigates femoral tunnel enlargement after medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of femoral tunnel enlargement after MPFL reconstruction and a possible correlation to femoral tunnel position as well as clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: Patients with a minimum follow-up of at least 24 months after MPFL reconstruction with a free gracilis graft and without concomitant procedures were identified by reviewing patient files. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were contacted and invited to participate in the study. After informed consent a clinical examination as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Tegner activity scale, Kujala score as well as the IKDC were evaluated. On MR images tunnel position in frontal and saggital planes, tunnel diameter as well as possible confounders such as cartilage damage were assessed. Results: 31 consecutive Patients (23 female, 8 male) were identified and took part in this ongoing investigation. Mean follow-up was 4.1 years. A femoral tunnel enlargement was noted in 12 patients. In 9 of these 12 patients the femoral tunnel was positioned too proximal. In the 19 patients that showed no tunnel enlargement only 6 tunnels were placed too proximal. Clinical results did not differ significantly between patient groups with or without tunnel enlargement regarding range of motion of the knee joint, Tegner, Kujala or IKDC score. Conclusion: Proximal malposition of the femoral tunnel was significantly more often in patients with femoral tunnel enlargement implying a biomechanical reason for tunnel enlargement after MPFL reconstruction. An impact on clinical outcome could not be perceived.

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Anatomic and Biomechanical Properties of Flat Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using an Adductor Magnus Tendon Graft: A Human Cadaveric Study

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211009540 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110095

Author(s):

Danko Dan Milinkovic ◽

Christian Fink ◽

Christoph Kittl ◽

Petri Silanpää ◽

Elmar Herbst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Biomechanical Properties ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Maximum Elongation ◽

Skeletally Immature ◽

Femoral Insertion ◽

Adductor Tubercle ◽

Adductor Magnus ◽

Load To Failure ◽

The Mean

Background: In contrast to the majority of existing techniques for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), the technique described in this article uses the adductor magnus muscle tendon to gain a flat, broad graft, leaving its distal femoral insertion intact, and does not require drilling within or near the femoral physis. It also allows for soft tissue patellar fixation and could facilitate anatomic MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Purpose: To evaluate the anatomic and structural properties of the native MPFL and the adductor tendon (AT), followed by biomechanical evaluation of the proposed reconstruction. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The morphological and topographical features of the AT and MPFL were evaluated in 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The distance between the distal insertion of the AT on the adductor tubercle and the adductor hiatus, as well as the desired length of the graft, was measured to evaluate this graft’s application potential. Load-to-failure tests were performed to determine the biomechanical properties of the proposed reconstruction construct. The construct was placed in a uniaxial testing machine and cyclically loaded 500 times between 5 and 50 N, followed by load to failure, to measure the maximum elongation, stiffness, and maximum load. Results: The mean ± SD length of the AT was 12.6 ± 1.5 cm, and the mean distance between the insertion on the adductor tubercle and adductor hiatus was 10.8 ± 1.3 cm, exceeding the mean desired length of the graft (7.5 ± 0.5 cm) by 3.3 ± 0.7 cm. The distal insertion of the AT was slightly proximal and posterior to the insertion of the MPFL. The maximum elongation after cyclical loading was 1.9 ± 0.4 mm. Ultimately, the mean stiffness and load to failure were 26.2 ± 7.6 N/mm and 169.7 ± 19.2 N, respectively. The AT graft failed at patellar fixation in 2 of the initially tested specimens and at the femoral insertion in the remaining 10. Conclusion: The described reconstruction using the AT has potential for MPFL reconstruction. The AT graft presents a graft of significant volume, beneficial anatomic topography, and adequate tensile properties in comparison with the native MPFL following the data from previously published studies. Clinical Relevance: Given its advantageous anatomic relationship as an application that avoids femoral drilling and osseous patellar fixation, the AT may be considered a graft for MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

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Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: analysis of outcomes and risk factors

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02383-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Filippo Migliorini ◽

Francesco Oliva ◽

Gayle D. Maffulli ◽

Jörg Eschweiler ◽

Matthias Knobe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Surgical Outcomes ◽

Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Patellofemoral Instability ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction ◽

The Mean ◽

Tegner Score

Abstract Background The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is always damaged after patellar dislocation. In selected patients, MPFL reconstruction is necessary to restore a correct patellar tracking. Despite the large number of different techniques reported to reconstruct the MPFL, there is no consensus concerning the optimal procedure, and debates is still ongoing. The present study analysed the results after isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis of patients presenting pathoanatomical risk factors was made. Methods In November 2020, the main electronic databases were accessed. All articles reporting the results of primary isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible. Results Data from a total of 1777 knees were collected. The mean age of the patients involved was 22.8 ± 3.4 years. The mean follow-up was 40.7 ± 25.8 months. Overall, the range of motion (+ 27.74; P < 0.0001) and all the other scores of interests improved at last follow-up: Kujala (+ 12.76; P = 0.0003), Lysholm (+ 15.69; P < 0.0001), Tegner score (+ 2.86; P = 0.006). Seventy-three of 1780 patients (4.1%) showed a positive apprehension test. Thirty of 1765 patients (1.7%) experienced re-dislocations, while 56 of 1778 patients (3.2%) showed persisting joint instability. Twenty-five of 1786 patients (1.4%) underwent revision surgeries. Conclusion Isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability provides reliable surgical outcomes. Patients with pathoanatomical predisposing factors reported worse surgical outcomes.

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Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Femoral Tunnel Accuracy

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967116687749 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 232596711668774 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Laurie A. Hiemstra ◽

Sarah Kerslake ◽

Mark Lafave

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Femoral Tunnel ◽

Patellofemoral Instability ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Tunnel Position ◽

Femoral Tunnel Position ◽

The Mean ◽

Femoral Tunnel Placement

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a procedure aimed to reestablish the checkrein to lateral patellar translation in patients with symptomatic patellofemoral instability. Correct femoral tunnel position is thought to be crucial to successful MPFL reconstruction, but the accuracy of this statement in terms of patient outcomes has not been tested. Purpose: To assess the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement in an MPFL reconstruction cohort and to determine the correlation between tunnel accuracy and a validated disease-specific, patient-reported quality-of-life outcome measure. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between June 2008 and February 2014, a total of 206 subjects underwent an MPFL reconstruction. Lateral radiographs were measured to determine the accuracy of the femoral tunnel by measuring the distance from the center of the femoral tunnel to the Schöttle point. Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII) scores were collected a mean 24 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 155 (79.5%) subjects had adequate postoperative lateral radiographs and complete BPII scores. The mean duration of follow-up (±SD) was 24.4 ± 8.2 months (range, 12-74 months). Measurement from the center of the femoral tunnel to the Schöttle point resulted in 143 (92.3%) tunnels being categorized as “good” or “ideal.” There were 8 failures in the cohort, none of which occurred in malpositioned tunnels. The mean distance from the center of the MPFL tunnel to the center of the Schöttle point was 5.9 ± 4.2 mm (range, 0.5-25.9 mm). The mean postoperative BPII score was 65.2 ± 22.5 (range, 9.2-100). Pearson r correlation demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between accuracy of femoral tunnel position and BPII score ( r = –0.08; 95% CI, –0.24 to 0.08). Conclusion: There was no evidence of a correlation between the accuracy of MPFL reconstruction femoral tunnel in relation to the Schöttle point and disease-specific quality-of-life scores. Graft failure was not related to femoral tunnel placement. The patellofemoral instability population is complex, and patients present with multiple risk factors that, in addition to the accuracy of femoral tunnel position, contribute to quality of life and warrant further investigation.

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