Isolated and Combined Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Revision Surgery for Patellofemoral Instability

Abstract

Background:

Persistent pain and redislocations after surgical treatment of patellofemoral instability are described in up to 40% of patients. However, prospective outcome data about revision surgery are missing.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcome after revision medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using isolated and combined procedures, with a follow-up of 24 months.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Study participants were 42 patients (median age, 22 years; range, 13-46 years) who underwent revision surgery between January 2007 and December 2009 because of persistent patellofemoral instability after a mean of 1.8 previous failed surgical interventions (lateral release, medial imbrication/vastus medialis obliquus distalization, medialization of the tuberosity). An isolated MPFL reconstruction was performed in 15 cases, while a combination procedure was performed in 27 cases. The clinical results were evaluated preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, and Tegner scores as well as a subjective questionnaire. Patellar shift, tilt, and height, as well as level of degeneration, were defined preoperatively and at the latest follow-up on plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

At 24-month follow-up, 87% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. No apprehension or redislocation was reported at follow-up, and there was a significant decrease in pain during daily activities. There were significant improvements (P < .001) in IKDC (from 50 to 80), Kujala (from 51 to 85), and Tegner scores (from 2.4 to 4.9). Patellar shift, tilt, and height decreased significantly (P < .05) to anatomic values, and there was no aggravation to the level of pre-existing degeneration. No significant difference was noticed between the isolated and combined procedures.

Conclusion:

As patellofemoral instability is a multifactorial problem, revision surgery should be indicated only after a comprehensive examination. The results of this study show that MPFL reconstruction, alone or in combination, seems to be an effective treatment for recurrent patellar dislocations after a failed previous surgery, leading to significant increases in stability and functionality as well as a reduction in pain.