Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction with and without Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar displacement. Surgery to address MPFL incompetence is the current gold standard for recurrent patellofemoral instability. The role of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) as an adjunct to MPFL reconstruction remains controversial. Our purpose was to evaluate a cohort of patella instability patients undergoing surgical soft tissue stabilization with or without concomitant TTO. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference between cohorts in baseline values, subjective outcome scores at final follow-up, or complication profile. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue stabilization for recurrent patella instability, with or without concomitant TTO. Indications for TTO were at the surgeon’s discretion, including elevated TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and/or unloading chondral lesion(s). Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon. Pre-surgical and post-surgical patient reported outcomes were collected including KOOS domains, PROMIS (global health, mental health, physical function, pain interference), IKDC, SANE, and Marx scores. Complications requiring re-operation (infection, stiffness, recurrent instability) were recorded. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: The cohort was comprised of 87 patients (95 knees), with 25 males (28.7%) and 62 females (71.3%). The MPFL-TTO cohort had 32 patients (38 knees) and the MPFL-Iso had 55 patients (57 knees). The average age of the MPFL-TTO cohort was 28.3 (range 19.5-44.6) and the average age of the MPFL-Iso group was 29.8 (18.7-55.3). There was no significant difference in pre-operation outcome scores between groups (p>.05). Significant improvements were seen for all KOOS domains in both patient cohorts with no significant differences detected between groups. SANE, IKDC, and PROMIS scores improved significantly with no differences detected between groups. Marx activity score at 6 months post-operatively was significantly different between the groups favoring the isolate MPFL reconstruction cohort. (MPFL-TTO 0.79 +/- 2.15 vs. 4.61 +/- 5.44 in the MPFL-Iso group (p=0.01)). In terms of complications, 4 knees in the MPFL-TTO group required further surgery (2 for stiffness, 1 for infection, and 1 for fracture) and 6 knees in the MPFL-Iso cohort required surgery (4 for stiffness, 1 for infection, and 1 for recurrent instability). Neither the overall complication rate of 4 vs. 6 (p=1) nor the recurrent instability rate of 0 vs. 1 (p=0.41) was significant. Conclusion: In a cohort of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction, the addition of an appropriately indicated TTO appears to be both safe and effective. Both MPFL-TTO and MPFL-Iso groups demonstrated significant improvement in the majority of subjective outcome scores without major difference between groups. Marx activity scores were higher for the isolated MPFL reconstruction cohort at relatively short term follow-up. The surgical complication profile was similar between groups. Further work is needed to clearly define the role of TTO as an adjunct procedure to MPFL reconstruction.

Download Full-text

Comparison of MPFL Repair Versus MPFL Reconstruction for Refractory Patella Instability in Patients Under 18 Years Old

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00189 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0018

Author(s):

Seth L. Sherman ◽

Derek W. Geeslin ◽

Daniel W. Hogan ◽

John W. Welsh ◽

Joseph M. Rund ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Primary Repair ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Patella Instability ◽

Subjective Outcome ◽

Recurrent Instability ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Outcome Scores ◽

Reconstruction Group

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar displacement. Surgery to address MPFL incompetence is the current gold standard for recurrent patellofemoral instability. In the young patient, controversy remains regarding the role of MPFL repair in the setting of recurrent patella instability. Hypothesis/Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate subjective outcomes and complication profile of consecutive cohorts under age 18 undergoing MPFL repair or MPFL reconstruction. Our hypothesis was that the MPFL reconstruction group would have higher subjective outcome scores and a lower complication profile. Methods: Following IRB approval, a retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue stabilization for recurrent patella instability. Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon between 2011-2019. MPFL repair was performed on patients prior to November 2015 and MPFL reconstruction with allograft from December 2015 to present. Patients undergoing concomitant bony realignment procedures were included. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) were collected including PROMIS, KOOS, IKDC, Marx, Tegner, and SANE scores. Complications requiring re-operation (i.e., infection, stiffness, recurrent instability) were recorded. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: The cohort was comprised of 43 patients (53 knees), with 15 males (34.9%), and 28 females (65.1%). The MPFL-Repair cohort had 22 patients (24 knees) and the MPFL-Reconstruction had 25 patients (29 knees). The average age of the MPFL-Repair cohort was 14.82 (range 10.5-17.8) and the average age of the MPFL-Reconstruction group was 15.59 (13.0-17.7). At final follow-up (minimum 6 months), there were no statistically significant differences between cohorts for KOOS Pain (p=0.4126), KOOS symptoms (p=0.7990), KOOS ADL (p=0.4398), KOOS Sport Rec (p=0.3357), KOOS QOL (p=0.8707), Global Physical Health (p=0.9736), Global Mental Health (p=0.1724), Physical Function (p=0.8077), Pain Interference (p=0.9740), Mobility T-Score (p=0.0634), Marx activity score (p=0.0844), Tegner Score (p=0.0752), IKDC (p=0.2646), and SANE score (p=0.0811). Regarding complications requiring re-operation, there was 1 knee in the MPFL-Reconstruction group (3.4%) that required further surgery (1 for fracture) and 9 knees in the MPFL-Iso cohort (37.5%) that required re-operation (1 for fracture, 8 for recurrent instability). The difference in complication rate was statistically significant (p=0.0012). Conclusion: In patients under 18 years old undergoing surgery for refractory patella instability, both MPFL allograft reconstruction and MPFL primary repair demonstrated no difference in subjective outcome scores at midterm follow-up. MPFL primary repair had significantly increased rate of complication requiring re-operation, particularly recurrent patella instability requiring revision to MPFL reconstruction. Tables/Figures: [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

Download Full-text

Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Patellar Instability Regardless of Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance and Patellar Height: Outcomes at 1 and 2 Years

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519835800 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 1331-1337 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Brandon J. Erickson ◽

Joseph Nguyen ◽

Katelyn Gasik ◽

Simone Gruber ◽

Jacqueline Brady ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patellar Instability ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

Patellar Height ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Outcome Scores ◽

Recurrent Patellar Instability

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.

Download Full-text

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair Versus Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967116689465 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 232596711668946 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Jason L. Dragoo ◽

Michael Nguyen ◽

Corey T. Gatewood ◽

Jacob D. Taunton ◽

Simon Young

Keyword(s):

Patellar Instability ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Secondary Outcome Measure ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Outcome Scores

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.

Download Full-text

CLINICAL OUTCOMES AFTER MEDIAL PATELLOFEMORAL LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION UTILIZING ALLOGRAFT TISSUE IN PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT PATIENTS: MINIMUM 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121s00103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967121S0010

Author(s):

Sachin Allahabadi ◽

Nirav K. Pandya

Keyword(s):

Graft Failure ◽

Patellar Instability ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Failure Rates ◽

Recurrent Instability ◽

Allograft Tissue ◽

Adolescent Patients ◽

Recurrent Patellar Instability

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.

Download Full-text

Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Patellar Instability Regardless of the Tibial Tubercle Trochlear Groove Distance: Outcomes at 1 and 2 Years

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118s00078 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967118S0007

Author(s):

Brandon J. Erickson ◽

Joseph Nguyen ◽

Katelyn Gasik ◽

Jacqueline Brady ◽

Beth E. Shubin Stein

Keyword(s):

Patellar Instability ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

Patellar Height ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

One Year ◽

Recurrent Patellar Instability

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.

Download Full-text

INCIDENCE OF 2nd SURGERY AFTER MPFL RECONSTRUCTION AND SIMULTANEOUS OSTEOCHONDRAL FRACTURE FIXATION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS TREATED FOR PATELLAR DISLOCATION

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00283 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0028

Author(s):

Lindsay M. Schlichte ◽

Alexandra H. Aitchison ◽

Daniel W. Green

Keyword(s):

Fracture Fixation ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Lateral Meniscus ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Recurrent Instability ◽

Osteochondral Fracture ◽

Second Surgery ◽

Patellar Stability

Background: Osteochondral fractures occur in 5-15% of cases of acute or recurrent patellar dislocations. In these settings, early surgical intervention with biodegradable fixation nails is recommended to optimize healing. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of recurrent instability and second surgery following osteochondral fracture fixation with concomitant medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 321 MPFL reconstructions performed by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2019. Thirty-eight knees underwent MPFL reconstruction with osteochondral fixation. Demographic data, surgical details, date of latest radiographic and clinical follow-up, and subsequent surgical procedures were collected. Results: Thirty-seven MPFL reconstructions with osteochondral fracture fixation in 36 patients were performed by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2019 (1 bilateral). The average age at surgery was 14.8 years (range 10.6– 19.6 years). The average length of clinical follow-up was 1.9 years (range .1– 5.5 years). The average number of biodegradable fixation nails used was 4.4 (range: 2-8). Twenty-seven (72.9%) fractures were fixed to the patella and 10 were fixed to the lateral femoral condyle or trochlea There was 1 report of recurrent instability. Ten (27%) patients required a second surgery on the ipsilateral knee, and underwent chondroplasty (n=8), removal of biodegradable fixation nails (n=4), removal of hemi-epiphysiodesis or TTO hardware (n=2), revision MPFL with tibial tubercle osteotomy (n=1), lateral meniscus repair (n=1). The one patient who required revision MPFL reconstruction has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and underwent 3 additional surgeries after the initial MPFL procedure. Eight patients (22%) underwent a second surgery to address cartilage damage or removal of nails. The mean time to second surgery was 40.0 weeks (range:11-82.7). Of the four patients who required removal of nails, the average number of nails initially placed was 7 ± 1.7. This was significantly more than the patients who did not require second surgery related to nail removal (4.1 ± 1.6, p < .05). Conclusion: Approximately 78% of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction and osteochondral fracture fixation with biodegradable nails showed good fracture healing and patellar stability while 22% went on to require a second surgery. The second surgery most commonly involved debridement of an unhealed portion of the cartilage.

Download Full-text

Why compromise the patella? Five-year follow-up results of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with soft tissue patellar fixation

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/s00264-020-04922-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sebastian P. Boelch ◽

Anna Gurok ◽

Fabian Gilbert ◽

Manuel Weißenberger ◽

Maximilian Rudert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

Cartilage Lesion ◽

Patella Alta ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Redislocation Rate

Abstract Purpose This study investigates the redislocation rate and functional outcome at a minimum follow-up of five years after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with soft tissue patellar fixation for patella instability. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified and knees were evaluated for trochlea dysplasia according to Dejour, for presence of patella alta and for presence of cartilage lesion at surgery. At a minimum follow-up of five years, information about an incident of redislocation was obtained. Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner questionnaires as well as range of motion were used to measure functional outcome. Results Eighty-nine knees were included. Follow-up rate for redislocation was 79.8% and for functional outcome 58.4%. After a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, the redislocation rate was 5.6%. There was significant improvement of the Kujala score (68.8 to 88.2, p = 0.000) and of the Lysholm score (71.3 to 88.4, p = 0.000). Range of motion at follow-up was 149.0° (115–165). 77.5% of the knees had patella alta and 52.9% trochlear dysplasia types B, C, or D. Patellar cartilage legions were present in 54.2%. Redislocations occurred in knees with trochlear dysplasia type C in combination with patella alta. Conclusion MPFL reconstruction with soft tissue patellar fixation leads to significant improvement of knee function and low midterm redislocation rate. Patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia should be considered for additional osseous correction.

Download Full-text

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119855023 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. 232596711985502 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alan G. Shamrock ◽

Molly A. Day ◽

Kyle R. Duchman ◽

Natalie Glass ◽

Robert W. Westermann

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Surgical Technique ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Donor Site ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Skeletally Immature ◽

Recurrent Instability ◽

Femoral Fixation

Background: Given the proximity of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) femoral insertion to the distal femoral physis in skeletally immature patients, multiple techniques for femoral graft fixation have been described. Purpose: To systematically review the literature and evaluate outcomes and complications following MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines through use of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases. All original, English-language studies reporting outcomes or complications following MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients were included. Skeletally mature patients were excluded. Data regarding demographics, surgical technique, graft type, outcomes, and complications were recorded. Study quality was assessed by use of the modified Coleman methodology score. Statistical analysis was performed through use of chi-square and weighted mean pooled cohort statistics, where appropriate, with significance set at P < .05. Results: 7 studies that entailed 132 MPFL reconstructions (126 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Females comprised 57.9% of the cohort (73 females), and the mean age was 13.2 years (range, 6-17 years). Mean postoperative follow-up was 4.8 years (range, 1.4-10 years). All of the grafts used were autograft, with gracilis tendon (n = 80; 60.6%) being the most common. Methods of femoral fixation included interference screw (n = 52; 39.4%), suture anchor (n = 51; 38.6%), and soft tissue pulley around the medial collateral ligament or adductor tendon (n = 29; 21.9%). Pooled Kujala scores improved from 59.1 to 84.6 after MPFL reconstruction. The total reported complication rate was 25.0% (n = 33) and included 5 redislocations (3.8%) and 15 subluxation events (11.4%). No cases of premature physeal closure were noted, and there were 3 reports of donor site pain (2.3%). Neither autograft choice ( P > .804) nor method of femoral fixation ( P > .416) influenced recurrent instability or overall complication rates. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients is a viable treatment option, with significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and redislocation event rates of less than 5% at nearly 5-year follow-up. Further high-quality research is needed to determine optimal graft options and surgical technique while considering recurrent instability, donor site morbidity, and potential injury to the adjacent physis.

Download Full-text

Incidence of 2nd Surgery after Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction and Simultaneous Osteochondral Fracture Fixation in Pediatric Patients Treated for Patellar Dislocation

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00495 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0049

Author(s):

Lindsay Schlichte ◽

Alexandra Aitchison ◽

Daniel Green

Keyword(s):

Fracture Fixation ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Lateral Meniscus ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Recurrent Instability ◽

Osteochondral Fracture ◽

Second Surgery ◽

Patellar Stability

Objectives: Osteochondral fractures occur in 5-15% of cases of acute or recurrent patellar dislocations. In these settings, early surgical intervention with biodegradable fixation nails is recommended to optimize healing. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of recurrent instability and second surgery following osteochondral fracture fixation with concomitant medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 321 MPFL reconstructions performed by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2019. Thirty-eight knees underwent MPFL reconstruction with osteochondral fixation. Demographic data, surgical details, date of latest radiographic and clinical follow-up, and subsequent surgical procedures were collected. Results: Thirty-seven MPFL reconstructions with osteochondral fracture fixation in 36 patients were performed by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2019 (1 bilateral). The average age at surgery was 14.8 years (range 10.6– 19.6 years). The average length of clinical follow-up was 2.1 years (range 0.3– 5.5 years). The average number of biodegradable fixation nails used was 4.4 (range: 2-8). Twenty-seven (72.9%) fractures were fixed to the patella and 10 were fixed to the lateral femoral condyle or trochlea. There was 1 report of recurrent instability. Ten (27%) patients required a second surgery on the ipsilateral knee, and underwent chondroplasty (n=8), removal of biodegradable fixation nails (n=4), removal of hemi-epiphysiodesis or TTO hardware (n=2), revision MPFL with tibial tubercle osteotomy (n=1), lateral meniscus repair (n=1). The one patient who required revision MPFL reconstruction has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and underwent 3 additional surgeries after the initial MPFL procedure. Eight patients (22%) underwent a second surgery to address cartilage damage or removal of nails. The mean time to second surgery was 40.0 weeks (range:11-82.7). Of the four patients who required removal of nails, the average number of nails initially placed was 7 ± 1.7. This was significantly more than the patients who did not require second surgery related to nail removal (4.1 ± 1.6, p < .05). Conclusion: Approximately 78% of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction and osteochondral fracture fixation with biodegradable nails showed good fracture healing and patellar stability while 22% went on to require a second surgery. The second surgery most commonly involved debridement of an unhealed portion of the cartilage.

Download Full-text

Effect of Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Patellofemoral Instability Regardless of Predisposing Factors

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1713898 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jae Ik Lee ◽

Mohd Shahrul Azuan Jaffar ◽

Han Gyeol Choi ◽

Tae Woo Kim ◽

Yong Seuk Lee

Keyword(s):

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Trochlear Dysplasia ◽

Case Series ◽

Patellofemoral Instability ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Predisposing Factors ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Patellar Tilt ◽

Case Series Study

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.

Download Full-text