Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction
for recurrent patellar instability
Published online: Dec 27 2004
Yoshinori MIKASHIMA, Masashi KIMURA, Yasukazu KOBAYASHI,Hiroto ASAGUMO, Taisuke TOMATSU
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma Sports Medicine Research Center, Gunma, Japan
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the value
of reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament
(MPFL) in the treatment of recurrent patellar
dislocation and subluxation.
We retrospectively reviewed 40 randomised patients
with recurrent patellar dislocation or subluxation,
who had undergone realignment surgery from July
1999 to December 2001. Group E consisted of
20 patients who had undergone an Elmslie-Trillat
procedure. In Group M, also consisting of
20 patients, the Elmslie-Trillat procedure was combined
with reconstruction of the MPFL. Pre and
postoperative data were collected and compared.
At follow-up after 2 years, the apprehension sign
remained positive in 6 knees of Group E, but in none
of Group M. On a stress skyline radiograph, stability
was significantly better in Group M than in
Group E.
Based on these findings, it appears that reconstruction
of the MPFL is a useful addition to the treatment
of recurrent patellar dislocation and subluxation.