Editorial Commentary: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Knee Patellar Instability: When Are Soft Tissue Procedures Not Enough?

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is commonly performed to treat patellofemoral instability by recreating the static soft tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation. Concurrent tibial tuberosity osteotomy can be indicated in the setting of bony malalignment, such as a lateralized tuberosity or patella alta; however, the exact indications for this have been difficult to define due to the multifactorial nature of this problem. Understanding the role of tuberosity lateralization and patella alta on the function of medial patellofemoral ligament grafts can help to identify the interplay of some factors that contribute to patellar stability and improve our understanding of when and how concurrent tibial tuberosity osteotomy may be indicated.