Abstract
Purpose: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic repair of the medial patello femoral joint capsule (MPFJC) and its supporting structures in traumatic patello femoral instability (TPFI).
Type of study: prospective case series.
Material and methods: 24 patients 15 male and 9 female with traumatic patello femoral instability (TPFI) were treated with arthroscopic repair of the medial patello femoral joint capsule regardless of the injury chronology using 2/0 vicryle stitches by outside-in technique lateral release were not required, average age at the operation was 23,2 years (range 20–26) with 1 patient was 33, average time from injury to operation 3mounths (range 1–8 months) with 1 patient had the injury for 3 years.
The patients evaluated at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and every 3 months afterward up to 1 year. Average follow up was 9,3 months (range 3–12mounths).
Subjective data were calculated using the IKDC system, objective data included a comprehensive knee examination and evaluation and comparing it with normal side, which was used as a reference.
Results: at the final review all patients were satisfied with their knees, the IKDC final score improves from 54pre op to 93.
There has been no recurrence of the instability or tenderness around the knee, nil infection rate, normal side-to-side movement of the patella comparing with normal side, full range of motion, and normal quadriceps belly and strength.
The patient returned to light sports activities at 6 weeks, and to their pre injury level of sport at 3 months.
Conclusion: we feel that our approach to treat TPFI is a reliable, safe, and cost effective. Our results are encouraging, although we feel that longer follow up might be required.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Tim Wilton, BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
