Do Current Stability Scores After MPFL Reconstruction Correlate With Patient Satisfaction Postoperatively?

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Patellar dislocation causes instability, pain, and functional limitations, often leading to recurrent episodes.
• Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a common surgical intervention for patellar instability.
• While MPFL reconstruction yields favorable outcomes, many patients do not regain their pre-injury activity levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient outcomes following MPFL reconstruction.
• To identify key factors influencing patellar stability after MPFL reconstruction.
• To assess patient satisfaction and functional status post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 100 patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction (2006-2014).
• Follow-up questionnaires assessed satisfaction, function, pain, and stability in 54 eligible patients (≥1-year follow-up).
• Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression to determine factors affecting outcomes.

Main Results:

• 20% of patients reported recurrent patellar subluxation; 54% of these were highly satisfied.
• 54% of patients did not return to their previous activity levels.
• Among those not returning to prior activity, 31% reported high satisfaction with their knee outcome.

Conclusions:

• Patients report high satisfaction post-MPFL reconstruction, even with residual instability or reduced activity levels.
• Existing scoring systems may not accurately reflect the true post-operative outcomes for patients after MPFL reconstruction.
• Further research is needed to refine outcome measures for patellar instability following MPFL reconstruction.