Abstract
Purpose: Patellar instability is a common clinical problem affecting a young, active population. A large number of procedures have been described to treat patellar instability. We present the clinical results in a case series of 25 medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructions in 21 patients with up to 30 months follow-up (mean 7.3 months).
Methods: Reconstruction was performed using either the gracilis tendon (6 cases) or semitendinosus tendon (19 cases) autograft. At follow-up the Tegner activity scores, objective knee function, complications and reoperations were assessed.
Results: No patella re-dislocations were observed. Five patients (20%) required a manipulation under anaesthetic but subsequently regained a satisfactory range of motion. Two patients (8%) had post operative complications. One patient developed a post operative infection which required a washout and one patient developed a neuroma related to the hamstring harvest site which was excised. Both subsequently returned to work with a full range of motion. No patients sustained a patellar fracture.
Conclusions: Medial patellofemoral reconstruction with both gracilis and semitendinosus tendon graft using a longitudinal tunnel technique provided good postoperative patellar stability restoring the primary soft tissue restraint to pathological lateral patellar displacement.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr D J Bracey, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Cornwall TR1 3LJ, England.
