Abstract
AIMS
The aim of this study was to assess the knee function after MPFL reconstruction with single hamstring autograft.
METHODS-RESULTS
In this case series 68 patients (69 knees) were treated in total. Clinical and radiological evidence of patellar instability and MPFL rupture or deficiency was documented prior to surgery. The MPFL was reconstructed with semitendinosus autograft. The free end of the graft was rerouted through the most distal part of the medial intermuscular septum proximally to the adductor tubercle, to the superomedial border of the patella, where it was fixed, whereas its distal insertion to the tibia was preserved. Knee function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the use of Kujala, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. There were 46 male and 22 female patients with an average age of 25.8 years (median age 23) ranging from 11 to 54 years. The mean follow-up was 19.6 months (range 6-54 months). Ten of the patients had findings of femoral trochlear dysplasia. All knee functional scores significantly improved postoperatively. Kujala score improved from 56 to 84, Tegner score improved from 2 to 6, IKDC score improved from 48 to 75 and Lysholm score improved from 53 to 80. One of the patients required revision of the MPFL reconstruction following traumatic redislocation of the patella.
CONCLUSIONS
Rerouting of the semitendinosus tendon for the reconstruction of the MPFL is an effective method for the treatment of patellofemoral instability with very good to excellent functional results.
