Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Achilles Tendon Allograft With Bone Block

Abstract

Recurrent patellar instability is a common problem and often leads to a tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Multiple reconstruction techniques for the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) exist. This Technical Note presents a technique for performing MPFL reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft with a bone block. The advantages of this technique include (1) bone-to-bone healing in femoral tunnel; (2) docking the bone block in the femoral tunnel obviates the knee for calculating graft and tunnel length; (3) fixing the femoral side before the patellar side allows graft tensioning under direct visualization and avoids over-constraint; (4) the fanned portion of the Achilles tendon allows broad-based MPFL footprint coverage on the medial patellar ridge; and (5) it avoids the need for bone tunnel drilling in the patella, reducing the risk to penetration of the drill holes into the articular cartilage surface as well as the risk for patellar fracture.