Medial Patellofemoral (MPFL) Reconstruction

Description

When a patient dislocates their kneecap, tissues on the inside aspect of the knee tear allowing the kneecap (or patella) to dislocate to the outside. The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament, also known as the MPFL, is the main soft tissue restraint to dislocation of the patella. It is torn when dislocation occurs. Sometimes the MPFL heals well enough that dislocation does not occur again, but 50% of the time or more, the MPFL does not heal sufficiently so dislocation recurs. For the patient that continues to have dislocation episodes surgery is usually considered in the form of MPFL Reconstruction. Reconstructing the MPFL restores the tether to keep the patella in its groove when it might dislocate.