Abstract
Purpose
Investigate the functional outcome of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) surgery for patella instability.
Compare functional outcome of direct MPFL repair and reconstruction using hamstring graft.
Methods
All patients that underwent MPFL surgery for patella instability between 2007-2010 were retrospectively identified from operative records. Patients were divided based on whether they underwent direct repair of MPFL, or reconstruction using hamstring graft. The Kujala scoring questionnaire for patellofemoral disorders (max score 100) was used to assess their functional outcome following surgery.
Results
33 patients were identified, 11 were not suitable for inclusion in the study. The remaining 22 patients had a total of 25 operations for patella stabilisation (3 bilateral). Average age of patient at time of surgery was 21 (15-33), 15 male and 7 female.
17 had direct repair of MPFL, 8 had reconstruction using hamstring graft. Of the 8 reconstructions 6 were primary procedures and 2 were for failed direct repair due to further traumatic injury.
Mean follow-up period was 17 months (6-43). Mean Kujala score overall 91.6, mean score for reconstruction group 93.2, direct repair score 90.7.
Total number of further patella dislocations in the repair group was 1/17 (5.9%).
No patients in the reconstruction group reported any further patella dislocations following their surgery.
Conclusion
Both direct repair and reconstruction of MPFL for patella instability demonstrate high functional outcome at short/mid-term follow up. Our high success rate in direct MPFL repair, good functional outcome and low re-dislocation rate is better than that quoted in the current literature.
