Five-years outcome of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in isolated post-traumatic tear: A retrospective study

Abstract

IntroductionMedial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is the procedure of choice for lateral patellar dislocation. However, studies depicting the long terms results of this procedure is lacking. The present study was conducted to evaluate the functional outcomes after MPFL reconstruction at a minimum of five years follow-up. MethodsThis study was retrospective evaluations of patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction by basket weave method. A total of 35 patients (37 knees) with isolated MPFL tear who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. These patients were assessed for functional outcome scores including Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score and Tegner activity score at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 81.57 ± 16.07 months and mean age of patients was 19.56 ± 8.02 years. There was no re-dislocation in any of the patients but 4 patients had apprehension test positive (10.81%). The mean Kujala score, IKDC score and Lysholm score preoperatively and postoperatively after MPFL reconstruction were 62.20 ± 16.86 and 90.32 ± 16.42 respectively (p < 0.0001); 58.62 ± 14.34 and 85.15 ± 7.65 respectively (p < 0.0001); 68.21 ± 10.72 and 95.30 ± 8.02 respectively (p < 0.0001) at the five-year follow-up. Mean Tegner score pre-injury and post-surgery was 6.23 ± 2.10 and 5.82 ± 1.90 respectively (p = 0.38) at a mean follow-up of five years. ConclusionsMPFL reconstruction surgery for isolated MPFL tears without any associated bony deformity, or soft tissue alterations has a good long-term functional outcome.