scholarly journals A Simple Method of Measuring the Distance From the Schöttle Point to the Medial Distal Femoral Physis With MRI

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596711984071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan E. Bishop ◽  
Sheena R. Black ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Douglas Mintz ◽  
Beth Shubin Stein

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is the treatment of choice for recurrent patellar instability in the skeletally immature patient. Avoiding the open physes during anatomic MPFL reconstruction is a challenge in this population. Purpose: To describe a novel method using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the distance from the Schöttle point to the medial distal femoral physis among skeletally immature individuals with patellar instability. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Preoperative MRI scans were analyzed from 34 patients with open distal femoral physes and lateral patellar instability. With the multiplanar reconstruction mode on a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), the location of the Schöttle point was determined according to previously reported distances from the posterior femoral cortical line and the posterior origin of the medial femoral condyle. This location was then extrapolated to the most medial sagittal slice on MRI showing the medial distal femoral physis. The distance was measured from this point to the most distal aspect of the physis. Results: The mean age of the study cohort was 13.6 years (range, 10.6-15.7 years); there were 13 males and 21 females. The mean distance from the medial distal femoral physis to the Schöttle point was 7.27 ± 1.78 mm. The Schöttle point was distal to the medial distal femoral physis in all cases. There was no significant correlation between age and mean distance in either the overall study population ( r = 0.046, P = .798) or when stratified by sex (females, P = .629; males, P = .089). The distance between the Schöttle point and the medial distal femoral physis was shorter for females than for males (6.51 vs 7.71 mm, P = .043). After adjustment for age, females on average were 1.31 mm closer to the Schöttle point than were males ( B = –1.31, P = .041). Conclusion: This technique can be used to determine the distance between the medial distal femoral physis and the Schöttle point. The Schöttle point was distal to the physis in all patients, and it was closer to the physis in skeletally immature females compared with age-matched males. Clinical Relevance: The long-term repercussions of improperly placed MPFL reconstruction include recurrent patellar instability, increased patellofemoral contact pressures and overtensioning of the ligament, and possibly patellofemoral arthritis. The current technique can be used preoperatively to determine the appropriate safe distance for drilling a socket distal to the physis.

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]


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 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Su ◽  
Xiumin Liu ◽  
Nengri Jian ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Weili Fu

Abstract Background Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) and lateral retinacular release (LRR) is one of the main treatment methods for patellar instability. So far, few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness and assessed potential risk factors for recurrent patellar instability. Purpose To report the clinical outcomes of MPFL reconstruction combined with TTO and LRR at least three years after operation and to identify potential risk factors for recurrent patellar instability. Methods A retrospective analysis of medical records for patients treated with MPFL, TTO and LRR from 2013 to 2017 was performed. Preoperative assessment for imaging examination included trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patella alta with the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance. Postoperative assessment for knee function included Kujala, IKDC and Tegner scores. Failure rate which was defined by a postoperative dislocation was also reported. Results A total of 108 knees in 98 patients were included in the study. The mean age at operation was 19.2 ± 6.1 years (range, 13–40 years), and the mean follow-up was 61.3 ± 15.4 months (range, 36–92 months). All patients included had trochlear dysplasia (A, 24%; B, 17%; C, 35%; D, 24%), and 67% had patellar alta. The mean postoperative scores of Tegner, Kujala and IKDC were 5.3 ± 1.3 (2–8), 90.5 ± 15.5 (24–100) and 72.7 ± 12.1 (26–86). Postoperative dislocation happened in 6 patients (5.6%). Female gender was a risk factor for lower IKDC (70.7 vs 78.1, P = 0.006), Tegner (5.1 vs 6.0, P = 0.006) and Kujala (88.2 vs 96.6, P = 0.008). Age (p = 0.011) and trochlear dysplasia (p = 0.016) were considered to be two failure factors for MPFL combined with TTO and LRR. Conclusion As a surgical method, MPFL combined with TTO and LRR would be a reliable choice with a low failure rate (5.6%). Female gender was a risk factor for worse postoperative outcomes. Preoperative failure risk factors in this study were age and trochlear dysplasia. Level of Evidence Level IV; Case series


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin G. Shea ◽  
W. Duncan Martinson ◽  
Peter C. Cannamela ◽  
Connor G. Richmond ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant ◽  
...  

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is frequently reconstructed to treat recurrent patellar instability. The femoral origin of the MPFL is well described in adults but not in the skeletally immature knee. Purpose: To identify a radiographic landmark for the femoral MPFL attachment in the skeletally immature knee and study its relationship to the distal femoral physis. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-six cadaveric specimens between 2 and 11 years old were dissected and examined (29 male and 7 female). Metallic markers were placed at the proximal and distal borders of the MPFL femoral origin footprint. Computed tomography scans with 0.625-mm slices in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes were used to measure the maximum ossified height and ossified depth. The measurements were used to describe the position of the midpoint MPFL attachment with respect to the posterior-anterior and distal-proximal dimensions of the femoral condyle on the sagittal view and to describe the distance from the physis to the femoral origin of the MPFL. Results: In 23 of 36 specimens, the femoral origin of the MPFL was distal to the physis. Thirteen of the 36 specimens had an MPFL origin at or proximal to the physis, with a more proximal MPFL origin consistently seen in older specimens. The distance of the MPFL origin to the physis ranged from 15.1 mm distal to the physis to 8.3 mm proximal to the physis. The mean midpoint of the MPFL femoral origin was located 3.0 ± 5.5 mm distal to the physis for all specimens. For specimens aged <7 years, the mean MPFL origin was 4.7 mm distal to the physis, and for specimens aged ≥7 years, the mean MPFL origin was 0.8 mm proximal to the femoral physis. The MPFL origin was more proximal and anterior for those aged ≥7 years and more distal and posterior for those aged <7 years. Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction of the MPFL is a common treatment to restore patellar stability. There appears to be significant variability in the origin of the MPFL in skeletally immature specimens. This study demonstrated that the MPFL origin was more proximal and anterior with respect to the physis in the older age group. The MPFL origin footprint may be customized for different age groups. Clinical Relevance: This information shows anatomic variation of the MPFL origin with age, with older specimens having a footprint that was more proximal and anterior than younger specimens. Customization of the surgical technique might be considered based on patient age.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110095
Author(s):  
Danko Dan Milinkovic ◽  
Christian Fink ◽  
Christoph Kittl ◽  
Petri Silanpää ◽  
Elmar Herbst ◽  
...  

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.


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.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (14) ◽  
pp. 3557-3565
Author(s):  
Sheena R. Black ◽  
Kathleen N. Meyers ◽  
Joseph T. Nguyen ◽  
Daniel W. Green ◽  
Jacqueline M. Brady ◽  
...  

Background: Adult medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction techniques are not appropriate for the skeletally immature patient given the proximity of the distal femoral physis. Biomechanical consequences of reconstructions aimed at avoiding the physis have not been adequately studied. Purpose: To quantify the biomechanical effects of MPFL reconstruction techniques intended for skeletally immature patients. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study Methods: Four MPFL reconstruction techniques were evaluated using a computationally augmented cadaveric model: (1) Schoettle point: adult-type reconstruction; (2) epiphyseal: socket distal to the femoral physis; (3) adductor sling: graft wrapped around the adductor tendon; (4) adductor transfer: adductor tendon transferred to patella. A custom testing frame was used to cycle 8 knees for each technique from 10° to 110° of flexion. Patellofemoral kinematics were recorded using a motion camera system, contact stresses were recorded using Tekscan pressure sensors, and MPFL length was computed using an inverse kinematics computational model. Change in MPFL length, patellar facet forces, and patellar kinematics were compared using generalized estimating equation modeling. Results: Schoettle point reconstruction was the most isometric, demonstrating isometry from 10° to 100°. The epiphyseal technique was isometric until 60°, after which the graft loosened with increasing flexion. The adductor sling and adductor transfer techniques were significantly more anisometric from 40° to 110°. Both grafts tightened with knee flexion and resulted in significantly more lateral patellar tilt versus the intact state in early flexion and significantly higher contact forces on the medial facet versus the epiphyseal technique in late flexion. Conclusion: In this cadaveric simulation, the epiphyseal technique allowed for a more isometric ligament until midflexion, when the patella engaged within the trochlear groove. The adductor sling and adductor transfer grafts became tighter in flexion, resulting in potential loss of motion, pain, graft stretching, and failure. Marginal between-condition differences in patellofemoral contact mechanics and patellar kinematics were observed in late flexion. Clinical Relevance: In the skeletally immature patient, using an epiphyseal type MPFL reconstruction with the femoral attachment site distal to the physis results in a more isometric graft compared with techniques with attachment sites proximal to the physis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0004
Author(s):  
Ömer Naci Ergin ◽  
Mehmet Ekinci ◽  
Fuat Bilgili ◽  
Yücel Bilgin ◽  
Mehmet Aşık

Introduction: MPFL reconstruction is an evidence-based and successful technique in treating patients with recurrent patellar instability without alignment problems or who have not yet undergone skeletal maturity for distal realignment surgery. Aim: The aim of this study is to report early results of patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction Method: 21 patients with lateral patellar instability who were treated with MPFL reconstruction using hamstring autogrefts in our clinic between 2012 and 2013 were evaluated. Mean age was 18.8 (8-32). Average age of first patellar dislocation was 13 (5-18). Patients’ history of complaints, pre and postoperative knee ROMs, patellofemoral pain scales, and patellofemoral instabilities were evaluated. These evaluations were done using Kujala score, İKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) score, KOS(Knee Outcome Survey Activities Of Daily Living Score) score, Tegner activity score and VAS score. Results: 86% of our patient reported getting better with the surgery. The mean follow up was 25,2 months.Median Kujala score rose from 71 preop to 96 postop(p<0.05) and median İKDC score rose from 72 to 95(p<0.05). VAS score decreased from 3.4 to 1.2. KOS score was on average 83. Tegner activity score of our patients which was 2.57 preoperatively increased to 4.71. Only one patient had a decreased range of flexion (10 degrees on terminal flexion) and only one patient had persisting recurrent patellar dislocation (%4). The failure to treat this patient was attributed to his concurrent patologies consisting of patella alta, trochlear dysplasia and patellofemoral malalignment. Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction with hamstring autograft for treating patellar instability seems to be an effective surgical option according to early results. For late term results further follow-up is needed.


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.


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