Clinical Comparison of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Tibial Tuberosity Transfer for Recurrent Patellar Instability

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110377
Author(s):  
Jong-Min Kim ◽  
Jae-Ang Sim ◽  
HongYeol Yang ◽  
Young-Mo Kim ◽  
Joon-Ho Wang ◽  
...  

Background: No clear guidelines or widespread consensus has defined a threshold value of tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance for choosing the appropriate surgical procedures when additional tibial tuberosity osteotomy (TTO) should be added to augment medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes between MPFL reconstruction and MPFL reconstruction with TTO for patients who have patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients who underwent surgical treatment using either MPFL reconstruction or MPFL reconstruction with TTO for recurrent patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm; the mean follow-up was 25.2 months (range, 12.0-53.0 months). The patients were divided into 2 groups: isolated MPFL reconstruction (iMPFL group; n = 36) performed by 2 surgeons and MPFL reconstruction with TTO (TTO group; n = 45) performed by another 2 surgeons. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Kujala score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Tegner activity score. Radiological parameters, including patellar height, TT-TG distance, patellar tilt, and congruence angle were compared between the 2 groups. Functional failure based on clinical apprehension sign, repeat subluxation or dislocation, and subjective instability and complications was assessed at the final follow-up. We also compared clinical outcomes based on subgroups of preoperative TT-TG distance (15 mm ≤ TT-TG ≤ 20 mm vs 20 mm < TT-TG ≤ 25 mm). Results: All of the clinical outcome parameters significantly improved in both groups at the final follow-up ( P < .001), with no significant differences between groups. The radiological parameters also showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. The incidence of functional failure was similar between the 2 groups (3 failures in the TTO group and 2 failures in the iMPFL group; P = .42). In the TTO group, 1 patient experienced a repeat dislocation postoperatively and 2 patients had subjective instability; in the iMPFL group, 2 patients had subjective instability. The prevalence of complications did not differ between the 2 groups ( P = .410). In the subgroup analysis based on TT-TG distance, we did not note any differences in clinical outcomes between iMPFL and TTO groups in subgroups of 15 mm ≤ TT-TG ≤ 20 mm and 20 mm < TT-TG ≤ 25 mm. Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction with and without TTO provided similar, satisfactory clinical outcomes and low redislocation rates for patients who had patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm, without statistical difference. Thus, our findings suggest that iMPFL reconstruction is a safe and reliable treatment for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm, without the disadvantages derived from TTO.

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0007
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Katelyn Gasik ◽  
Jacqueline Brady ◽  
Beth E. Shubin Stein

Background: Several surgical options exist for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. The treatments can be divided into ligamentous and bony procedures. It is currently unclear which patients require a bony procedure in addition to a soft tissue reconstruction. Purpose: To report the one and two-year outcomes of patients following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction performed in isolation regardless of the patellar height, tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) or trochlear dysplasia. Hypothesis:: Patients will have <5% re-dislocation rate and significant improvements in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following isolated MPFL reconstruction. Methods: All patients with recurrent patellar instability and without significant unloadable chondral defects, failed previous surgery or pain greater than or equal to 50% as their chief complaint, were prospectively enrolled beginning March of 2014. All patients underwent a primary, unilateral, isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of concomitant bony pathology for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Patients were followed at standard intervals. PROMs were collected at one year and two year follow up visits. Information on recurrent subjective instability, dislocations, and ability to return to sport (RTS) was recorded. TT-TG and patellar height (using the Caton-Deschamps index) were measured on magnetic resonance images. Results: Overall, 90 patients (77% female; average age 19.4 +/- 5.6 years) underwent a MPFL reconstruction from March 2014 to August 2017; 63 (70%) of whom reached one year follow up, and 35 of these patients (39%) reached 2-year follow-up. No patient experienced a redislocation; 96% of patients at one year and 100% of patients at two years had no subjective patellofemoral instability. RTS rates at one and two years were 59% and 75% respectively. No patient experienced a complication at one year. All patients had a clinically and statistically significant improvement from baseline to 1-year follow-up in the following PROMs: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life (KOOS QOL) (32.7 to 72.0; p<0.001), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (51.4 to 82.6; p<0.001) Kujala (62.2 to 89.5; p<0.001), and all general health PROM. No clinically and statistically significant change was seen between 1- and 2-year follow-ups in all outcome scores (all p>0.05). A non-statistically significant increase was seen in sporting activity of the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) (13.9 to 16.7 p=0.292) at 2 years. Average patient satisfaction was 9.3 of 10 (10 being most satisfied) at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Average TT-TG was 15.1 +/- 4.0. Average patellar height was 1.25 +/- 0.17. Conclusion: Isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment for patellar instability and provides significant improvements in PROMs with a low redislocation/instability rate at early 1 and 2 year follow up, regardless of bony pathologies including TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps Index and trochlear dysplasia. The goal of this ongoing prospective study is to follow these patients out for 5 to 10 years to assess what radiologic and physical examination factors predict failure of isolated MPFL reconstruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1331-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Katelyn Gasik ◽  
Simone Gruber ◽  
Jacqueline Brady ◽  
...  

Background: It is unclear which patients with recurrent patellar instability require a bony procedure in addition to medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Purpose: To report 1- and 2-year outcomes of patients after isolated MPFL reconstruction performed for patellar instability regardless of patellar height, tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, or trochlear dysplasia. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients with recurrent patellar instability and without significant unloadable chondral defects (Outerbridge grade IV), cartilage defects (especially inferior/lateral patella), previous failed surgery, or pain >50% as their chief complaint were prospectively enrolled beginning March 2014. All patients underwent primary, unilateral, isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of concomitant bony pathology for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Information on recurrent subjective instability, dislocations, ability to return to sport (RTS), and outcome scores was recorded at 1 and 2 years. TT-TG distance, patellar height (with the Caton-Deschamps index), and trochlear depth were measured. Results: Ninety patients (77% female; mean ± SD age, 19.4 ± 5.6 years) underwent MPFL reconstruction between March 2014 and August 2017: 72 (80%) reached 1-year follow-up, and 47 (52.2%) reached 2-year follow-up (mean follow-up, 2.2 years). Mean TT-TG distance was 14.7 ± 5.4 mm (range, –2.2 to 26.8 mm); mean patellar height, 1.2 ± 0.11 mm (range, 0.89-1.45 mm); and mean trochlear depth, 1.8 ± 1.4 mm (range, 0.05-6.85 mm). Ninety-six percent of patients at 1 year and 100% at 2 years had no self-reported patellofemoral instability; 1 patient experienced a redislocation at 3.5 years. RTS rates at 1 and 2 years were 90% and 88%, respectively. Mean time to RTS was 8.8 months. All patients had clinically and statistically significant improvement in mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life (32.7 to 72.0, P < .001), mean International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (51.4 to 82.6, P < .001), and mean Kujala score (62.2 to 89.5, P < .001). No difference existed between 1- and 2-year outcome scores (all P > .05). Conclusion: At early follow-up of 1 and 2 years, isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment for patellar instability and provides significant improvements in outcome scores with a low redislocation/instability rate regardless of bony pathologies, including TT-TG distance, Caton-Deschamps index, and trochlear dysplasia. Future data from this cohort will be used to assess long-term outcomes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 2530-2539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saif Zaman ◽  
Alex White ◽  
Weilong J. Shi ◽  
Kevin B. Freedman ◽  
Christopher C. Dodson

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and repair continue to gain acceptance as viable treatment options for recurrent patellar instability in patients who wish to return to sports after surgery. Return-to-play guidelines with objective or subjective criteria for athletes after MPFL surgery, however, have not been uniformly defined. Purpose: To determine whether a concise and objective protocol exists that may help athletes return to their sport more safely after MPFL surgery. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: The clinical evidence for return to play after MPFL reconstruction was evaluated through a systematic review of the literature. Studies that measured outcomes for isolated MPFL surgery with greater than a 12-month follow-up were included in our study. We analyzed each study for a return-to-play timeline, rehabilitation protocol, and any measurements used to determine a safe return to play after surgery. Results: Fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1756 patients and 1838 knees. The most commonly cited rehabilitation guidelines included weightbearing restrictions and range of motion restrictions in 90.6% and 84.9% of studies, respectively. Thirty-five of 53 studies (66.0%) included an expected timeline for either return to play or return to full activity. Ten of 53 studies (18.9%) in our analysis included either objective or subjective criteria to determine return to activity within their rehabilitation protocol. Conclusion: Most studies in our analysis utilized time-based criteria for determining return to play after MPFL surgery, while only a minority utilized objective or subjective patient-centric criteria. Further investigation is needed to determine safe and effective guidelines for return to play after MPFL reconstruction and repair.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0010
Author(s):  
Sachin Allahabadi ◽  
Nirav K. Pandya

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has gained popularity as a tool to manage recurrent patellar instability. The use of allograft for reconstruction includes benefits of quicker surgical time and obviating donor-site morbidity. In anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction hesitancy exists to use allograft in younger patients based on data demonstrating higher graft failure rates. However, a similar trend of allograft failure has not been demonstrated for reconstruction of the MPFL, which has a lower tensile strength than that of the ACL. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes including recurrent instability after MPFL reconstruction utilizing allograft tissue in pediatric and adolescent patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients of a single surgeon with MPFL reconstructions with allograft for recurrent patellar instability with minimum two-year follow-up. Surgical management was recommended after minimum six weeks of nonoperative management including bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification. Pre-operative x-rays were evaluated to assess physeal closure, lower extremity alignment and trochlear morphology, and Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps ratios. MRIs were reviewed to evaluate the MPFL, trochlear morphology, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). The allograft was fixed with a bioabsorbable screw. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. The primary outcome was recurrent instability. Results: 20 patients (23 knees) 14 females (17 knees) with average age 15.8 years (range: 11.5-19.6 years) underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft with average follow-up of 3.6 years (range: 2.2-5.9 years). Physes were open in 8 knees. Average Insall-Salvati ratio was 1.08 ± 0.16 and Caton-Deschamps index was 1.18 ± 0.15. Eighteen patients were noted to have trochlear dysplasia pre-operatively and TT-TG was 15.4 ± 3.9 mm. The three knees (13.0%) with complications had open physes – two (8.7%) had recurrent instability requiring subsequent operation and one sustained a patella fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation. The average Insall-Salvati of these three patients was 1.26 ± 0.21, Caton-Deschamps was 1.18 ± 0.21, and TT-TG was 18.3 ± 3.5mm. There were no growth disturbances noted post-operatively. Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction using allograft tissue may be performed safely in the pediatric and adolescent population with good outcomes at mid-term follow-up with few complications and low rate of recurrent instability. Anatomic factors for may contribute to recurrent instability and complications post-operatively, though larger numbers are needed for statistical analyses. Further prospective and randomized evaluation comparing autograft to allograft reconstruction is warranted to understand graft failure rates.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 883-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph N. Liu ◽  
Jacqueline M. Brady ◽  
Irene L. Kalbian ◽  
Sabrina M. Strickland ◽  
Claire Berdelle Ryan ◽  
...  

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become one of the most common and widely used procedures to regain stability among patients with recurrent lateral patellar dislocation. While recent studies demonstrated low recurrence rates, improved patient-reported outcome measures, and a high rate of return to sports, limited literature explored its effectiveness as an isolated intervention in the context of trochlear dysplasia. Purpose: To determine the efficacy of isolated MPFL reconstruction in treating patellar instability in the setting of trochlear dysplasia. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent uni- or bilateral medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellofemoral instability with a minimum 2-year follow-up. No osteotomies were included. Pre- and postoperative assessment included ligamentous laxity, patellar crepitus, tilt, translation, apprehension, and radiographic features, including tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, Dejour classification, and Caton-Deschamps index. Results: A total of 121 MPFL reconstructions were included. Mean age at surgery was 23.8 years, and 4.4 dislocation events occurred before surgery. Mean follow-up was 44 months; 76% of patients were female. Mean preoperative TT-TG ratio was 13.5, and mean Caton-Deschamps ratio was 1.2; 92% of patients had Dejour B, C, or D trochlear dysplasia. Kujala score improved from 55.0 preoperatively to 90.0 ( P < .001). Almost all patients (94.5%) were able to return to sports at 1 year, with 74% returning to the same or higher level of play. Only 3 patients reported a postoperative dislocation or subluxation event. Discussion: For patients without significantly elevated TT-TG distances or significant patella alta, isolated MPFL reconstruction provides a safe and effective treatment for patellofemoral instability, despite the presence of trochlear dysplasia. Most patients are able to return to sports by 1 year postoperatively at the same or higher level of play.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1323-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot Sappey-Marinier ◽  
Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet ◽  
Padhraig O’Loughlin ◽  
Herve Ouanezar ◽  
Levi Reina Fernandes ◽  
...  

Background: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is widely acknowledged as an integral part of the current therapeutic armamentarium for recurrent patellar instability. The procedure is often performed with concomitant bony procedures, such as distalization of the tibial tuberosity or trochleoplasty in the case of patella alta or high-grade trochlear dysplasia, respectively. At the present time, few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of MPFL reconstruction as an isolated intervention. Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of isolated MPFL reconstruction in cases of patellar instability and to identify predictive factors for failure. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed, including all patients who had undergone isolated MPFL reconstruction between January 2008 and January 2014. Preoperative assessment included the Kujala score, assessment of patellar tracking (“J-sign”), and radiographic features, such as trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patellar height with the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt. The Kujala score was assessed postoperatively. Failure was defined by a postoperative patellar dislocation or surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability. Results: A total of 239 MPFL reconstructions were included; 28 patients (11.7%) were uncontactable and considered lost to follow-up. Thus, 211 reconstructions were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 5.8 years (range, 3-9.3 years). The mean age at surgery was 20.6 years (range, 12-48 years), and 55% of patients were male. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a preoperative positive J-sign, and 93% of patients had trochlear dysplasia (A, 47%; B, 25%; C, 15%; D, 6%). The mean CDI was 1.2 (range, 1.0-1.7); mean tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, 15 mm (range, 5-30 mm); and mean patellar tilt, 23° (range, 9°-47°). The mean Kujala score improved from 56.1 preoperatively to 88.8 ( P < .001). Ten failures were reported that required surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability (4.7%). Uni- and multivariate analyses highlighted 2 preoperative risk factors for failure: patella alta (CDI ≥1.3; odds ratio, 4.9; P = .02) and preoperative positive J-sign (odds ratio, 3.9; P = .04). Conclusion: In cases of recurrent patellar instability, isolated MPFL reconstruction would appear to be a safe and efficient surgical procedure with a low failure rate. Preoperative failure risk factors identified in this study were patella alta with a CDI ≥1.3 and a preoperative positive J-sign.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Castelli ◽  
E. Jannelli ◽  
E. Ferranti Calderoni ◽  
G. Galanzino ◽  
A. Ivone ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to highlight short- and medium-term outcomes of combined medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and anterior tibial tuberosity (ATT) transposition surgery in patients with recurrent patellar instability and different degrees of trochlear dysplasia. Methods Between January 2014 and May 2019, 25 patients with patellar instability underwent a surgical procedure combining the lowering/transposition of the ATT and the MPFL reconstruction. Each patient were preoperative assessed by Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner activity level scale. The assessment of instability predisposing factors was carried out with patellar height, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, trochlear dysplasia, sulcus angle, patellar tilt and MPFL injuries. Functional outcomes were evaluated with Kujala, IKDC and Tegner scores at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results The average age of the patients was 20 years (range 13–43 years). Pre- operative Caton–Deschamps index was pathological in 10 (40%). Sulcus angle was elevated in 13 patients (52%) and TT-TG distance was irregular in 17 patients (68%). Trochlear dysplasia was present in 13 patients (9 type A, 3 type B, 1 type C according to Dejour’s Classification). No re-dislocation occurred during the follow-up. There was a significant increase in the Kujala, IKDC and Lysholm scores after 3, 6 and 12 months, and the results were compared for the different follow-up times and patient’s trochlear dysplasia degree. Conclusion This prospective observational longitudinal study identified good clinical outcomes in patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction and ATT transposition for patellar instability. Finally, the different risk factors for patellar instability examined, particularly the presence of trochlear dysplasia, did not significantly influence the final functional results, which range from good to excellent without re-dislocation episodes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596711668946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason L. Dragoo ◽  
Michael Nguyen ◽  
Corey T. Gatewood ◽  
Jacob D. Taunton ◽  
Simon Young

Background: Patellar instability remains a challenging problem for both the patient and surgeon. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair has historically had poor results, and due to this, there is currently a trend toward reconstruction. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study was undertaken to investigate experience with repair versus reconstruction of the MPFL using a multifactorial treatment algorithm approach. Our hypothesis was that there will be no significant difference in outcome scores between patients in the MPFL repair and reconstruction groups. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 24 patients with recurrent (≥2) lateral patellar dislocations were included. All had failed nonoperative treatment for more than 6 months, and all were observed for a minimum of 2 years. First, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to find the location of the MPFL tear. A tilt test was used to determine whether a lateral retinacular lengthening was required to allow the patella to have neutral tilt. If the MRI showed a tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance greater than 20 mm, a tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) was recommended. An MPFL reconstruction was performed if the entire ligament was inadequately visualized on MRI or if it was torn from both insertion sites. Failure was defined as recurrent lateral patellar instability after surgery. As a secondary outcome measure, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score, and Tegner score were calculated. Results: All patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 51 months (range, 25-79 months). Sixteen patients initially underwent MPFL repair, 8 underwent reconstruction, and 3 also underwent TTO. MPFL reconstructions were performed in all patients who underwent TTO. One MPFL repair was to the anatomic femoral origin and 15 were to the patellar insertion corresponding to the site of tearing on MRI. A lateral retinacular lengthening was performed in 21 patients. There was 1 failure in the repair group (6%) and none in the reconstruction group. However, the patient who failed had a TT-TG distance of 26 mm but refused a TTO. She subsequently underwent revision with a TTO and MPFL reconstruction and did not have any further instability events. There were no significant differences between groups for any of the secondary outcome scores. Conclusion: Using an algorithm-based approach, MPFL repair or reconstruction may lead to clinically acceptable results at 2-year follow-up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0047
Author(s):  
Simone Gruber ◽  
Rhiannon Miller ◽  
Beth Shubin Stein ◽  
Joseph Nguyen

Objectives: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is the standard of care surgical treatment for recurrent patellar instability. Recurrent patellar instability is common after a first-time dislocation in the skeletally immature population. Adult-type reconstruction techniques are often avoided in skeletally immature patients due to the proximity of the femoral insertion of the MFPL to the distal femoral physis. It is currently unclear how outcomes of MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients compare to those for skeletally mature patients. The objective of this study is to present the outcomes of isolated MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients and compare their findings to a skeletally mature population. Methods: Patients were identified from an institutional patellofemoral registry who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction from March 2014 to July 2018. Demographic, radiographic, and knee-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected prior to surgery. Follow-up data collection included knee surveys collected at 1 and 2-years following MPFL reconstruction. Additionally, return to sport rates and episodes of re-dislocations were also collected. Comparisons of demographic and clinical data were made between skeletally immature and mature patients. Sub-analysis was performed on outcomes in skeletally immature patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction where the graft was placed distal to the physis to avoid the growth plate versus those who had standard placement of the graft. Baseline factors were analyzed using independent samples t-tests or chi-square analysis. Longitudinal analysis of knee PROMs was conducted using generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling. Statistical significance was defined as p-values of 0.05 or less. Results: The study cohort included 107 patients (25 skeletally immature, 82 skeletally mature). Mean age of the study groups was 13.8 years in the immature group (range 11-15) and 21.3 in the mature group (range 14-34). No differences in sex (72% female in both groups) or obesity (0% vs. 8%) was observed between immature and mature patients. Radiographic measures of Caton-Deschamps Index (1.18 in both groups), TT-TG (14.9 vs. 14.8), and Dejour classification (P=0.328) also saw no differences between groups. Longitudinal outcomes in KOOS QoL, IKDC, KOOS PS, and Kujala surveys found no differences between immature versus mature patients over time. However, higher PediFABS was observed in the immature group versus mature at baseline (21.6 vs. 11.9, P<0.001), 1-year (18.1 vs. 11.5, P=0.006), and 2-years (22.4 vs. 11.5, P=0.003). Low incidence of post-operative dislocation and a high return to sport rate was observed in both skeletally immature and mature patients. No statistical differences were observed in all outcomes between immature patients who had standard graft placement and those where the graft was placed distal to the physis. Conclusion: Controversy exists in how best to treat the skeletally immature patient with recurrent lateral patellar instability. Due to the risk of injury to the growth plate, many believe it is best to wait to stabilize these patients until they have stopped growing. However, given the high risk of cartilage injury with each dislocation and the long term sequelae of such injuries in these young knees, the risk of waiting may be high. This study demonstrates similar outcomes and recurrence rates in skeletally immature patients with those seen in the mature population without disturbance or injury to the growth plates. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]


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