Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Surgical Technique to Dynamically Control Graft Tension

The medial patellofemoral ligament is an important patellar stabilizer and, when damaged, can lead to recurrent instability, cartilage injury, and debilitating pain among other conditions. In patients with continued patellar instability after failed nonoperative management, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction often is recommended. A key step of the procedure is appropriate graft tensioning. Previously described techniques can help guide the surgeon, but few allow for adjustable tensioning after dynamic examination of patellar tracking to avoid over tensioning. This technique offers the ability to dynamically control graft tension with 2 independent graft limbs while also using knotless onlay type fixation, therefore decreasing the risk of over- or undertensioning and the complications that come with it.