Modified technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction – Its outcome with 2-year follow-up

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to present our modified technique for MPFL reconstruction. We also present its functional outcome, complications, and patients’ satisfaction from the procedure. Materials and Method: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data during the period of July 2015 and March 2019. Forty cases in patients with recurrent symptomatic patellar instability without a patellar fracture and who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction were included in the study. Kujala scoring was done to assess the functional outcome at follow-up. Post-operative dislocation and apprehension were recorded in each case along with any complication. Patients were asked to complete a subjective questionnaire postoperatively during follow-up, to assess their satisfaction with the surgical procedure. Results: Pre-operative Kujala score was 45.85 which improved to 92.72 postoperatively at the time follow-up. The improvement in Kujala score was found to be highly significant (P < 0.01). Subjective assessment of the procedure: 72.5% of the patients had an excellent outcome. About 15% of the patients had a good outcome whereas 10% had a fair outcome. Only one patient had a poor outcome. Conclusion: In properly selected patients with recurrent patellar instability, isolated MPFL reconstruction appears to be a safe and efficient surgical procedure for the stabilization of patella, with a low failure rate. Consistent good results with early rehabilitation can be obtained using suture anchors to fix the implant on patella and using the described technique.