Clinical results of isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for recurrent dislocation and subluxation of the patella.

Complications and results of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, performed between 2000 and 2003, were studied retrospectively in 24 randomised patients (24 knees). All procedures were performed for recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the patella, using an autogenous semitendinosus tendon. Two different methods of anchoring of the transplant were compared. After a 2-year follow-up, patellar stability was found to be similar, when the transplant was sutured to the fibrous tissue and periosteum overlying the patella or when it was fixed in a bone tunnel through the patella. The majority of the patients who had undergone MPFL reconstruction have returned to their previous level of sports activities. We had two cases of patella fracture and one case of persisting patella apprehension after surgery. Further studies must determine which measures are necessary to prevent these complications.