Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

What is a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction?

There are three new bones: the femur (leg bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (knee cap) are connected by many strong ligaments. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) connects the inside of the patella to the femur. The MPFL is very important because it helps prevent lateral movement of the patella.

MPFL tear. A patellar subluxation or dislocation can partially or completely tear the MPFL. The injury usually occurs during sports and physical activities. Females are more likely than males to experience the injury. Abnormal patella alignment increases injury risk. Common injury symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Instability
• Recurrent subluxation or dislocation

Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (OIO) specialists obtain a medical history, perform a physical examination, and look at knee bones and ligaments on x-ray and MRI images to diagnose an MPFL tear. Nonsurgical treatment options may be used to treat partial tears. Complete tears usually require surgical intervention.

MPFL Reconstruction. A minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure where an OPA specialist removes the torn MPFL and replaces it with a new one. The new MPFL is a graft is harvested from you, usually the hamstring tendons, or a cadaver. Suture anchors are used to fixate the graft to the patella and femur in perfect anatomical locations. The tiny incisions used to perform the procedure are closed using sutures.

The knee is immobilized after your surgery—a hinged knee brace is worn and its settings are adjusted as healing occurs. Physical therapy after surgery strengthens and stretches the new ligament. Following your recovery, the knee is strong and stable and symptoms subside.

At Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (OIO), our Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Dr. Michael Sclafani, Dr. Anthony Petrosini and Dr. Toby Husserl are experts in performing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructions.

If you injure your patella and experience symptoms, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists that are conveniently located at our offices in Wall, Freehold, Toms River and coming soon to Edison.