Year of publishing
2015
Abstract
Purpose: To ascertain whether differences exist in joint instability after experimentally induced failure of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the cadaver knee with the four graft types most widely used for this procedure, and whether any of these grafts are associated with decreased risk in the event of failure.
Methods: Between March 2011 and March 2012, eight cadavers obtained from the local medical examiner's office were randomly allocated into four groups (four knees each). In each group, a different graft technique was used for MPFL reconstruction. The forces required to induce lateral dislocation of the patella before reconstruction and after experimental failure of surgical reconstruction were recorded. The tested graft techniques were then compared to assess which was associated with the least instability after failed reconstruction.
Results: When we compared the groups I (semitendinosus) and II (patellar tendon), the mean differences of the force required to produce a dislocation of the patella before and after the failure were 0.5 N and 12.5 N, respectively (p = 0.028). In comparison between groups I and III (medial third of the quadriceps tendon) the mean differences of the force required to produce dislocation before and after the failure caused were 0.5 N and 22 N, respectively (p < 0.001). In comparison between groups I and IV (Medial third of the quadriceps tendon) we found the mean differences of the force required to produce dislocation before and after the failure caused were 0.5 N and 5 N, respectively (p > 0.999).
Conclusions: There were differences in residual instability after simulated MPFL reconstruction failure depending on graft type. Use of the free semitendinosus graft technique was associated with the least risk of residual instability in case of reconstruction failure.
Keywords: Failure; Instability; MPFL reconstruction; Patellofemoral.
Year of publishing
2022
Abstract
Fixed and habitual dislocations of patella represent the most severe forms of patellar instability and frequently require surgical intervention. Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, which has been the cornerstone of treatment for episodic patellar dislocation, is inadequate to address such complex instability patterns. The purpose of this report is to describe the 4-in-1 quadricepsplasty technique for stabilization of fixed and habitual dislocation of patella. The 4 components of quadricepsplasty are lateral retinacular releases and lengthening, Roux-Goldthwait patellar tendon hemi-transfer, modified Insall's proximal "tube" realignment, and quadriceps slide-lengthening.
© 2022 The Authors.
Year of publishing
2005
Abstract
Numerous surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. Studies have shown that the primary pathoanatomy associated with lateral patellar dislocation is injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which is the major soft-tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation. Recently, various procedures have been described that address the medial ligamentous injury inherent to lateral patellar dislocation. We present a simple technique for MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon graft.
Year of publishing
2015
Abstract
With the introduction of the superficial quad technique, there has been a recent revival of interest in the quadriceps tendon as a graft choice for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The superficial quad technique has many anatomic advantages because the length, breadth, and thickness of the graft are similar to those of the native MPFL; moreover, the graft provides a continuous patellar attachment at the superior half of the medial border of the patella. The technique requires neither a patellar bony procedure nor patellar hardware. Biomechanically, the mean strength and stiffness of the graft are very similar to those of the native MPFL. The anatomic and biomechanical advantages depend on correct identification of the anatomic superficial lamina of the quadriceps tendon; hence the correct harvesting technique for the superficial lamina is crucial. Various sub-techniques for harvesting the quadriceps graft have emerged recently, such as superficial strip, pedicled, or partial graft harvesting; these can create confusion for surgeons. Additional confusion related to the preparation and fixation of the graft should also be addressed to avoid any potential complications. A step-by-step video of the superficial quad technique is presented, covering the exact dissection of the graft material and its preparation, delivery, and fixation.
Year of publishing
2019
Abstract
Case: A healthy 14-year-old boy, who presented with recurrent patellar instability, underwent medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Four weeks following this operation, the patient slipped and fell while wearing his knee brace and was found to have sustained a quadriceps tendon rupture.
Conclusions: We present a case of a rare, previously undescribed complication following an MPFL reconstruction in a young athlete. The etiology of this particular injury pattern may be due to a disruption of the vascular supply to the superior pole of the patella. Orthopaedic surgeons performing these reconstructions should be aware of this unusual complication.
Year of publishing
2013
Abstract
Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a routine procedure for patellar instability. The majority of the techniques require hardware fixation or a bony procedure at the patella. However, most of the complications described in the literature can be attributed to patellar fixation. The "superficial quad technique" uses the superficial slip of the quadriceps tendon as the graft material, which provides a better anatomic match to the native MPFL.
Hypothesis: The superficial quad technique provides anatomic patellar fixation without a bony procedure and without patellar complications.
Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods: The study included 32 patients (10 male, 22 female; mean age, 25 years) who underwent MPFL reconstruction using the superficial quad technique and who were followed for a mean duration of 38 months. Objective assessment was performed and Kujala scores were obtained preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up.
Results: There were no patellar complications, including redislocation, in the present study. The mean Kujala score improved to 91.25 (range, 73-100) from a preoperative score of 49.31 (range, 23-62).
Conclusion: The results were comparable with those of other studies in the literature that used hamstring grafts, but without associated patellar complications. The superficial quad technique uses graft material that is a better anatomic match to the native MPFL. It provides anatomic patellar fixation without a bony procedure.
Keywords: anatomic; medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction; patellar complications; patellar instability; quadriceps tendon; recurrent dislocation of patella; superficial quad technique; superficial slip.
Year of publishing
2021
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultimate failure load and stiffness of two patellar fixation techniques for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction: (1) quadriceps tendon fixation (QT), (2) single tunnel (STG) patella fixation with gracilis autograft.
Methods: A total of 16 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (eight matched pairs) were randomized into two groups (QT vs. STG). The MPFL reconstructions were subjected to cyclic loading for 10 cycles to 30 N and then tested to failure at a constant displacement rate of 15 mm/min using a materials-testing machine (MTS 810 Universal Testing System). Failure mode, ultimate failure load and stiffness were recorded for each cadaveric specimen.
Results: There was no significant difference in mean ultimate failure load among groups (P = 0.35). The STG group failed at a mean ultimate load of 190.04 N [standard deviation (SD) 23.18] and the QT group failed at 206.24 N (SD 37.99). The STG group had a mean stiffness of 21.38 N/mm (SD 1.44). This was not significantly higher than the mean stiffness value achieved for the QT group at 20.36 N/mm (SD 1.3) (P = 0.19). In the QT group all reconstructions failed due to tendon rupture at the patella attachment. The reason for failure in the STG group was the graft-suture connection.
Conclusions: This cadaver study showed no statistically significant difference in biomechanical performance of the evaluated patella fixation techniques, in terms of maximum load to failure and stiffness. Both techniques are reliable in terms of biomechanical properties and could offer additional surgical solutions.
Keywords: Biomechanical evaluation; Cadaveric study; Medial patellofemoral ligament; Patella instability; Single-bundle reconstruction.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Year of publishing
2018
Abstract
Purpose: In adults, reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has shown good results. Treatment for recurrent patellar instability in children and adolescents with open growth plates, however, requires alternative MPFL reconstruction techniques. This study presents the outcomes of a minimally invasive technique for anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL in children using a pedicled superficial quadriceps tendon graft, hardware-free patellar graft attachment, and anatomic femoral fixation that spares the distal femoral physis.
Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients with patellofemoral instability and open growth plates underwent anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL using a pedicled superficial quadriceps tendon graft. Preoperative radiographic examination included AP and lateral views to assess patella alta and limb alignment. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate trochlear dysplasia and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. Evaluation included pre- and post-operative physical examination, Kujala score, visual analog scale (VAS), and Tegner activity score.
Results: The average age at the time of operation was 12.8 years (9.5-14.7). The average follow-up after operation was 2.6 years (2.0-3.4). No recurrent dislocation occurred. Twenty patients were very satisfied (80%), four patients were satisfied (16%), and one patient was partially satisfied with the surgical procedure (4%). No patient was dissatisfied. The median Kujala score significantly improved from 63 (44-81) preoperatively to 89 (77-100) post-operatively (P < 0.01), and the median VAS score improved significantly from 4 (1-7) to 1 (0-4) (P < 0.01). The Tegner activity score increased, but not significantly, from 4 (3-8) preoperatively to 5 (3-8) post-operatively (non-significant).
Conclusion: The described technique for MPFL reconstruction with a pedicled quadriceps tendon is a safe and effective technique with good clinical results and allows patients to return to sports without redislocation of the patella. It might therefore be a valuable alternative to more extensive procedures in paediatric and adolescent patients.
Level of evidence: Prospective study, Level III.
Keywords: Children and adolescents; Medial patellofemoral ligament; Open growth plate; Patellofemoral instability; Quadriceps tendon graft; Trochlear dysplasia.
Year of publishing
2023
Abstract
Management of chronic patellar instability in patients with open physis requires special reconstruction techniques to minimize the risks of femoral growth plate injury due to the close proximity of the open physis to the native femoral origin of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Children and adolescents have a relatively smaller patella than the adult group, so, there is a higher risk of patellar fracture when tunnels are performed in the patella. It is wise to mimic the normal anatomy of the medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) by reconstruction of both of the medial quadriceps tendon femoral ligament (MQTFL) and MPFL, so as to restore the normal fan-shaped MPFC, with its wide anterior attachment to both of the patella and quadriceps tendon (QT). This article describes a simple, safe, reproducible, and cost effective technique for surgical management of chronic patellar instability in patients with open physis by reconstruction of the MPFC using a double-bundle QT autograft.
© 2023 The Authors.
Year of publishing
2017
Abstract
Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellofemoral instability is a common procedure. Although MPFL reconstruction is a successful procedure in terms of return to normal life or sports, revision cases are challenging due to previous holes into the patella or implants placed in the anatomical femoral insertion site. In this technical note, the use of a partial quadriceps tendon transfer to the adductor magnus tendon is presented as a good solution for revision cases to avoid the use of implants, bone drilling, use of allografts, or two-stage surgical procedures. In addition, this procedure could be also used as a primary procedure in skeletally immature patients.
Keywords: Medial patellofemoral ligament; Partial quadriceps tendon transfer; Reconstruction; Revision surgery.
Copyright © 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Year of publishing
2021
Introduction: Alterations of the patellofemoral joint are one of the most common causes of pain and inflammation as well as joint damage and instability of the knee. Patellofemoral instability is a common multifactorial entity, requiring realignment by proximal, distal, or a combination of techniques. Within the proximal procedures in soft tissues, is the medial patellofemoral ligament plasty (MPFL), which aims to realign the patella medially and restore the anatomy between the quadricipital tendon, patella and tubercle of the tibia.
Objective: To demonstrate that the plasty of the LPFM with quadriceps autograft is an effective technique with a low level of complications.
Material and methods: Observational, longitudinal, retrospective, descriptive, basic and clinical study. We present a series of 15 patients operated with this technique between October 2014 and September 2019.
Results: LPFM plasty with autograft quadricipital is a safe technique, which does not use implants, which reduces the risk of complications and restores the anatomy of the extensor apparatus of the knee.
Conclusion: Our technique of repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament, with quadriceps autograft is a safe, reproducible technique, with good results in the medium term, as well as a low incidence of complications. Patients have returned to their previous sports activities without episodes of re-dislocation.
Keywords: Reconstruction; medial patellofemoral ligament; quadriceps autograft.
Year of publishing
2021
Abstract
Recurrent patellar dislocations have been correlated with an elevated risk of further patellar dislocations, often requiring surgical treatment. Risk factors include medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tears, patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. Surgical management must be based on a patient's unique joint pathoanatomy and may require MPFL reconstruction with tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty either alone or in combination. This article discusses our preferred technique for surgical treatment of recurrent patellar instability with MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft, an open trochleoplasty, and a tibial tubercle osteotomy for patients with patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance.
© 2021 by the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier.
Year of publishing
2016
Abstract
Background: Since the role of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) as the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar translation has been recognized, several different reconstruction procedures for the treatment of patellar instability have been proposed over recent years. Many of these techniques require bony procedures and hardware fixation at the patellar and femoral side, leading to complications as described previously in the literature. The purpose of the present study is to describe the technique of isolated MPFL reconstruction using the quadriceps tendon and report the results at a mean follow-up of 38 months. The hypothesis is that this technique, not requiring drilling of bone tunnels on the patellar and femoral side, may be a "simple and safe" mean to manage patellar instability, giving good clinical results with low complication rate in selected patients with normal osseous anatomy.
Materials and methods: Sixteen consecutive patients (9 male, 7 female; mean age 22 years) with chronic patellar instability underwent medial patellofemoral reconstruction with the superficial layer of the quadriceps tendon. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by physical examination and subjectively with Kujala and Lysholm scores.
Results: The average follow-up was 38 months (range 28-48 months). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation and no complications occurred. The mean Kujala score increased from 35.8 preoperatively to 88.8 postoperatively and the Lysholm score improved from 43.3 preoperatively to 89.3 postoperatively.
Conclusions: Isolated MPFL reconstruction using an autologous quadriceps tendon and not requiring bone tunnels, may be a safe, simple and effective procedure for the treatment of patellar instability without complications such as patellar fracture as reported by clinical studies using hamstring grafts. For the same reason it may also be indicated in skeletally immature patients.
Level of evidence: Level IV.
Year of publishing
2021
Abstract
Purpose: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to ascertain advantages and limitations, update current evidences, and investigate the role of a pedicled quadriceps tendon autograft for primary medio-patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability.
Methods: The present systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in September 2020. All the clinical studies investigating the role of a pedicled strip of quadriceps tendon autograft for primary MPFL reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Studies investigating the role of MPFL reconstruction combined with additional surgical procedures except for lateral retinacular release were excluded. The methodological quality assessment was performed through the modified Coleman Methodology score.
Results: Data from 9 articles (191 procedures) were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 12 to 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 11.5 to 25.2 years. One hundred twenty of 191 patients were female. All clinical scores showed significant improvement following the procedures. The Kujala score improved of 32.52% points (P < 0.0001), the Lysholm score of 23.74% (P = 0.006), the Tegner scale improved of 8.6% (P = 0.02). Concerning complications, after surgery the apprehension test was positive in 5 of 166 patients, and persistent joint instability was found in 5 of 149 patients. No patient experienced any re-dislocations or underwent reoperations.
Conclusions: The use of pedicled strip of quadriceps tendon as graft for MPFL reconstruction is a suitable choice in patients with recurrent patellar instability. Although frequently associated with a lateral release, it is unclear whether the latter is necessary for the success of the technique. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials comparing this graft source to the others commonly used are necessary to at least ascertain the noninferiority of this graft to the others.
Level of evidence: IV, Systematic review of Level III-IV studies.
Copyright © 2021 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Year of publishing
2021
Abstract
Purpose: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to ascertain advantages and limitations, update current evidences, and investigate the role of a pedicled quadriceps tendon autograft for primary medio-patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability.
Methods: The present systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in September 2020. All the clinical studies investigating the role of a pedicled strip of quadriceps tendon autograft for primary MPFL reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Studies investigating the role of MPFL reconstruction combined with additional surgical procedures except for lateral retinacular release were excluded. The methodological quality assessment was performed through the modified Coleman Methodology score.
Results: Data from 9 articles (191 procedures) were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 12 to 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 11.5 to 25.2 years. One hundred twenty of 191 patients were female. All clinical scores showed significant improvement following the procedures. The Kujala score improved of 32.52% points (P < 0.0001), the Lysholm score of 23.74% (P = 0.006), the Tegner scale improved of 8.6% (P = 0.02). Concerning complications, after surgery the apprehension test was positive in 5 of 166 patients, and persistent joint instability was found in 5 of 149 patients. No patient experienced any re-dislocations or underwent reoperations.
Conclusions: The use of pedicled strip of quadriceps tendon as graft for MPFL reconstruction is a suitable choice in patients with recurrent patellar instability. Although frequently associated with a lateral release, it is unclear whether the latter is necessary for the success of the technique. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials comparing this graft source to the others commonly used are necessary to at least ascertain the noninferiority of this graft to the others.
Level of evidence: IV, Systematic review of Level III-IV studies.
Copyright © 2021 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Year of publishing
2021
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to ascertain the reported clinical outcomes and complication profiles of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction performed using a superficial "swing-down" quadriceps tendon autograft.
Methods: Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) were searched from January 1, 2000, to April 06, 2020. Keywords used in the search included: "medial patellofemoral ligament" and "reconstruction". After screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, patient demographics, graft type, outcomes, and complications were extracted. Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria were used to assess the quality of each included study.
Results: Eleven studies were included, comprising data from 226 patients with mean follow up ranging from 12 to 38 months. All reconstructions used a superficial "swing-down" quadriceps tendon autograft fixed at 20-30 degrees of knee flexion where reported. Eight of eleven studies reported significant improvement in patient reported outcomes such as Kujala score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score. The mean preoperative Kujala score ranged from 35.8 to 82.1 (167 patients), while the mean postoperative Kujala score ranged from 88.4 to 94.8 (197 patients). The mean of the preoperative Lysholm score ranged from 43.3 to 79.3 (77 patients), while the mean of the postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 81.9 to 90.9 (99 patients). The I2 statistic for Lysholm and Kujala scores was 94% and 97%, respectively. Across data reported on 194 patients, there was no incidence of patellar redislocation, patellar fracture, or graft site morbidity.
Conclusion: The quadriceps tendon produced improved clinical outcomes with low rates of recurrent postoperative patellar dislocation. These data suggest that the quadriceps tendon remains a suitable alternative for MPFL reconstruction and should remain part of the arsenal of knee ligament surgeons.
Level of evidence: Systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
Copyright © 2021 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Year of publishing
2003
Abstract
Many graft choices are available for the reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-deficient knee. These choices range from multiple autograft and allograft sources. Preoperative planning must take into account the viability of knee autografts and the availability of allografts. The nature of the PCL injury must also be taken into account, such as whether only the PCL is deficient or the PCL lesion is part of a complex multiple ligament-injured knee. Our institution has begun to use the central quadriceps tendon bone autograph for multiple types of PCL reconstructions. This paper discusses the surgical techniques used to harvest and secure a double-bundle central quadriceps tendon bone autograph for PCL reconstructions using both open and arthroscopic approaches.
Year of publishing
2014
Background: We describe the preliminary clinical results of a new operative technique for MPFL reconstruction using a strip of quadriceps tendon (QT).
Patients: 17 patients (7 male, 10 female; mean age 21.5 years ± 3.9) have been operated on with this technique. All patients were evaluated clinically, radiologically and with subjective questionnaires (Tegner-, Lysholm-, Kujala Score) pre-operatively and post-operatively at 6 and 12 months (m).
Surgical technique: A 10 to 12 mm wide, 3mm thick and 8 to 10 cm long strip from the central aspect of quadriceps tendon is harvested subcutaneously. The tendon strip is then dissected distally on the patella, left attached, diverged 90° medially underneath the medial prepatellar tissue and fixed with 2 sutures. The graft is fixed in 20° of knee flexion with a bioabsorbable interference screw.
Results: Lysholm score at 6m was 81.9 ± 11.7 and at 12 m 88.1 ± 10.9, Kujala score at 12 m was 89.2 ± 7.1 and Tegner Score was 4.9 ± 2.0 (6m) and 5.0 ± 1.9 (12 m). Two patients had a positive apprehension test at 12 months. There was no re-dislocation during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction with a strip of QT harvested in a minimal invasive technique was found to be associated with good short term clinical results. We think that this technique presents a valuable alternative to common hamstring techniques for primary MPFL reconstruction in children and adults, as well as for MPFL revision surgery.
Level of evidence: IV, prospective case series.
Keywords: MPFL reconstruction; Minimal invasive MPFL reconstruction; Quadriceps tendon.
Year of publishing
2014
Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the structural properties of the original MPFL and to compare it to a MPFL-reconstruction-technique using a strip of quadriceps tendon.
Methods: In 13 human cadaver knees the MPFLs were dissected protecting their insertion at the patellar border. The MPFL was loaded to failure after preconditioning with 10 cycles in a uniaxial testing machine evaluating stiffness, yield load and maximum load to failure. In the second part Quadriceps-MPFL-reconstruction was performed and tested in a uniaxial testing machine. Following preconditioning, the constructs were cyclically loaded 1000 times between 5 and 50 N measuring the maximum elongation. After cyclic testing, the constructs have been loaded to failure measuring stiffness, yield load and maximum load. For statistical analysis a repeated measures (RM) one-way ANOVA for multiple comparisons was used. The significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: During the load to failure tests of the original MPFL the following results were measured: stiffness 29.4 N/mm (+9.8), yield load 167.8 N (+80) and maximum load to failure 190.7 N (+82.8). The results in the QT-technique group were as follows: maximum elongation after 1000 cycles 2.1 mm (+0.8), stiffness 33.6 N/mm (+6.8), yield load 147.1 N (+65.1) and maximum load to failure 205 N (+77.8). There were no significant differences in all tested parameters.
Conclusions: In a human cadaveric model using a strip of quadriceps-tendon 10 mm wide and 3mm deep, the biomechanical properties match those of the original MPFL when tested as a reconstruction.
Clinical relevance: The tested QT-technique shows sufficient primary stability with comparable biomechanical parameters to the intact MPFL.
Keywords: Biomechanics; Knee; MPFL; Quadriceps tendon reconstruction; Stiffness.
Year of publishing
2018
Purpose: In adults, reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has shown good results. Treatment for recurrent patellar instability in children and adolescents with open growth plates, however, requires alternative MPFL reconstruction techniques. This study presents the outcomes of a minimally invasive technique for anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL in children using a pedicled superficial quadriceps tendon graft, hardware-free patellar graft attachment, and anatomic femoral fixation that spares the distal femoral physis.
Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients with patellofemoral instability and open growth plates underwent anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL using a pedicled superficial quadriceps tendon graft. Preoperative radiographic examination included AP and lateral views to assess patella alta and limb alignment. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate trochlear dysplasia and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. Evaluation included pre- and post-operative physical examination, Kujala score, visual analog scale (VAS), and Tegner activity score.
Results: The average age at the time of operation was 12.8 years (9.5-14.7). The average follow-up after operation was 2.6 years (2.0-3.4). No recurrent dislocation occurred. Twenty patients were very satisfied (80%), four patients were satisfied (16%), and one patient was partially satisfied with the surgical procedure (4%). No patient was dissatisfied. The median Kujala score significantly improved from 63 (44-81) preoperatively to 89 (77-100) post-operatively (P < 0.01), and the median VAS score improved significantly from 4 (1-7) to 1 (0-4) (P < 0.01). The Tegner activity score increased, but not significantly, from 4 (3-8) preoperatively to 5 (3-8) post-operatively (non-significant).
Conclusion: The described technique for MPFL reconstruction with a pedicled quadriceps tendon is a safe and effective technique with good clinical results and allows patients to return to sports without redislocation of the patella. It might therefore be a valuable alternative to more extensive procedures in paediatric and adolescent patients.
Level of evidence: Prospective study, Level III.
Keywords: Children and adolescents; Medial patellofemoral ligament; Open growth plate; Patellofemoral instability; Quadriceps tendon graft; Trochlear dysplasia.
Year of publishing
2014
Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has recently become a popular procedure for children and adolescents with patellofemoral instability. Nevertheless, high complication rates of up to 26% have been reported. The traditionally used technique requires patellar bone tunnels that may place the proportionately smaller patella at higher risk of fracture. Because of the adjacent physis of the femoral insertion, anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL has the risk of injury to the growth plate. This technical report therefore presents a technique for anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL in a skeletally immature population using a pedicled superficial quadriceps tendon graft, hardware-free patellar graft attachment, and anatomic femoral fixation distal to the femoral physis. The advantages of this technique include avoidance of bony patellar complications, an anatomically truer reconstruction, a single incision, and sparing of the hamstring tendons for reconstruction of any future ligamentous injuries.
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