Mid-term Follow-up Outcomes for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction After Acute First-Time Patellar...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomaterials in Surgery

Background:

• Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) using nonresorbable suture tape presents a potential alternative to autologous tendon grafts for managing first-time patellar dislocations.
• This approach aims to provide stability and improve outcomes in patients experiencing patellar instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiological efficacy of MPFL reconstruction utilizing nonresorbable suture tape.
• To determine if this technique yields satisfactory results in patients with acute, first-time patellar dislocations.

Main Methods:

• A case series involving 30 patients with acute first-time patellar dislocations underwent MPFL reconstruction with suture tape between January 2017 and September 2020.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0) after a minimum 2-year follow-up in 20 patients.
• Radiological evaluation included pre- and postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) using the Area Measurement And DEpth & Underlying Structures (AMADEUS) scoring system.

Main Results:

• Patients reported high BPII 2.0 scores (81 ± 12.5), with good subjective knee function (NAS function: 8.5 ± 1.5) and low patellofemoral pain (NAS pain: 1.5 ± 1.7).
• Postoperative AMADEUS scores significantly improved from 79 ± 24.3 to 92.3 ± 9 (P = .02), indicating enhanced joint structure on MRI.
• A 67% follow-up rate was achieved, with data collected from 20 patients meeting the minimum follow-up criteria.

Conclusions:

• Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with nonresorbable suture tape is an effective treatment for acute first-time patellar dislocations.
• The technique achieves satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes, supporting its use as an alternative surgical option.