Treatment of chronic instability of the patella by ligamentoplasty of the medial patellofemoral ligament

Abstract

Objective and potential Patellofemoral Instability (PFI) is linked to different anatomical anomalies. It has been suggested that in the majority of cases of patellar dislocation, the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) is ruptured with a high recurrence rate, particularly in female patients. Although MPFL tear is not the primary cause of instability, MPFL reconstruction is effective in stabilizing the knee and can single-handedly prevent lateral patellar dislocation. There is limited but growing evidence that MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability leads to excellent functional outcomes. In this work, we report our technique of MPFL reconstruction using the gracilis tendon with a review of recent literature concerning MPFL reconstruction and functional results in the face of objective patellar instabilities treated solely by MPFL reconstruction.