[Ligament which deserves attention--medial patellofemoral ligament]

There has been increasing interest in investigating the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) during the last fifteen years. This is due to the recognition of the MPFL as the primary static soft-tissue restraint to lateral patellar displacement and the association of MPFL injury with primary traumatic patellar dislocation. The MPFL often heals poorly and thus rarely regains its full function. Numerous surgical techniques have been described for reconstruction of this important structure. This paper reviews the relevant anatomy and biomechanics, published reconstruction options, and describes the surgical technique performed at our institution--that of using a quadriceps autograft to reconstruct the MPFL.