Management of Injuries to the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament: A Review

Jaydev B. Mistry; Kevin F. Bonner; Chukwuweike U. Gwam; Melbin Thomas; Jennifer I. Etcheson; Ronald E. Delanois

doi:10.1055/s-0037-1604142

The Journal of Knee Surgery, Table of Contents

J Knee Surg 2018; 31(05): 439-447
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604142

Original Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Management of Injuries to the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament: A Review

Authors

Jaydev B. Mistry

¹Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore, Maryland
Kevin F. Bonner

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Jordan-Young Institute, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Chukwuweike U. Gwam

¹Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore, Maryland
Melbin Thomas

¹Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore, Maryland
Jennifer I. Etcheson

¹Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore, Maryland
Ronald E. Delanois

¹Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is thought to be the most important medial structure providing restraint to lateral subluxation of the patella. After an initial patellar dislocation, the MPFL is frequently injured and can usually be treated with conservative measures. However, these patients often suffer from recurrent dislocations, which thereby necessitate operative intervention. In the setting of normal anatomy and kinematics, isolated reconstruction of the MPFL is an effective treatment for preventing recurrent dislocations. Various surgical techniques have been described, with differences in fixation and graft selection. The treatment of MPFL injuries should aim to provide patellar stabilization and restore normal kinematics throughout the joint. This review will discuss the following: (1) anatomy of the MPFL, (2) presentation and assessment of MPFL injuries, (3) management of patients with MPFL injuries, and (4) complications following MPFL reconstruction.

Keywords

medial patellofemoral ligament - reconstruction - management - MPFL - patellar dislocation

Full Text

References

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