Surgical Technique for Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone Tunnels: A New Method

Medial patellar instability (lateral patellofemoral ligament tear) is a rare condition which is commonly associated with lateral release for lateral patellar instability. LPFL is a lateral stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint. Reconstruction of LPFL is necessary to provide stability to the patella-femoral joint in patients with instability. We describe a novel technique of trans-osseous reconstruction of LPFL to gain stability and have better graft incorporation. A doubled peroneus longus graft is inserted into the patellar tunnel and secured with an endo button on the anteromedial aspect of the patella; the other end is then inserted into the insertional point on the femur and secured with an interference screw. This is an easy, novel, and reproducible technique which can be used to reconstruct LPFL.