Medial Patellofemoral Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract

This article was updated on November 17, 2015. The title, which had previously read “Medial Patellofemoral Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents” now reads “Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents.” An erratum has been published: JBJS Reviews. 2015 Dec 15;3(12):e4. Patellar dislocations are a common disabling knee injury in children and adolescents. Approximately 90% of primary patellar dislocations result in injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL)1,2. MPFL injuries in children and adolescents, and the management of those injuries, differ from those in adults in numerous ways. In the past decade, studies have demonstrated better results with MPFL reconstruction than with medial repair and/or lateral release3-5. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature on the natural history of pediatric patellar dislocations, review advances in imaging following acute patellar dislocation in pediatric patients, discuss the biomechanical properties of the MPFL, and evaluate the surgical options as well as the outcomes of MPFL reconstruction. This article will cover: