Long-term functional and radiologic outcomes following MPFL reconstruction: a 10-year retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Recurrent patellofemoral instability is often treated with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction.
• Long-term outcomes data for MPFL reconstruction remain limited.
• A retrospective study analyzed data from 2008-2013 to assess long-term results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability.
• To identify factors associated with poor outcomes after MPFL reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 patients (mean age 18 years) undergoing MPFL reconstruction.
• Preoperative CT and postoperative MRI for radiologic assessment (patellar height, tilt, TT-TG distance, chondral lesions).
• Functional outcomes assessed using Kujala and Lysholm scores.

Main Results:

• MPFL reconstruction showed good functional scores (Kujala: 89, Lysholm: 86) with low re-dislocation rates (2 patients).
• Postoperative patellar tilt improved, especially with lateral release (p < 0.005).
• Increased TT-TG distance postoperatively and a significant association between preoperative patellar tilt and chondral lesions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• MPFL reconstruction provides favorable long-term clinical outcomes for patellofemoral instability.
• The procedure is insufficient to fully correct TT-TG offset.
• Adjunct lateral release may help reduce chondral damage by decreasing lateral facet contact pressures.