The favourable anisometry: an original concept for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation has recently become more popular. We describe a technique that involves tensioning of the graft with the knee in full extension while simultaneously pulling with a bone hook on the patella in the direction of the quadriceps tendon, thus facilitating placement of the femoral attachment and accurate graft tensioning. We investigated the clinical outcome of this reconstructive procedure in 20 patients (23 knees), with a mean follow-up of 2 years. There was no recurrence of dislocation after surgery. At the 3 months follow up visit, nine knees had an extensor lag. At the last follow up visit, only one patient had an extensor lag. The mean Kujala score at the last follow-up was 93 (+/- 6) points. Severe primary chondral lesion had a negative influence on the final functional result. It is suggested that patella alta could increase the risk of post-operative extensor lag and quadriceps weakness as the tension tends to be more in the reconstructed MPFL than in the patellar tendon when the knee extends. In cases of severe patella alta we would suggest including distalisation of the tibial tubercle, with an MPFL reconstruction.