Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Review of Technique, Accuracy, and Outcome (MPFL)

• The purpose of our proposed retrospective study would be to determine our single surgeon's accuracy of femoral tunnel placement utilizing this method in patients having undergone this procedure [ Time Frame: 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Participating patients will undergo 3 view x-ray series to determine accuracy in placement of the graft with respect to published norms. Average distance and errors from the mean would be calculated to determine the accuracy and precision of tunnel placement. A physical exam will be performed and a validated knee score questionnaire will be administered to evaluate a correlation or disparate clinical outcome in relation to femoral tunnel placement.
  
  

Patellar subluxation or dislocation due to congenital/developmental disorders and/or traumatic injury to the knee is a correctable source of knee pain and dysfunction. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in these knees is accepted as one possible treatment for this disorder due to its restoration of the soft tissue static restraint to lateral subluxtion2-5. Prior studies have determined the anatomic location of the femoral insertion of this ligament as well as the need to restore this anatomy to achieve the goal of stability without creating abnormal contact pressures due to abnormal attachment6. Schottle et al in a cadaveric model described a radiographic method of identifying anatomic markers to properly place the femoral insertion of this ligament1. Schottle's study determined that using this method, all insertions specimens were found to be within 5mm of this ideal entry point1. The purpose of our proposed retrospective study would be to determine our single surgeon's accuracy of femoral tunnel placement utilizing this method in patients having undergone this procedure.