Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Repair
Topic Overview
The
medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) attaches to the inner edge of the patella
to help keep the patella from slipping toward the outer side of the knee.
A damaged MPFL can be repaired
arthroscopically. Surgical repair of this ligament may
be appropriate if it is:
- Torn by injury to the knee.
- Stretched
and damaged by patellar
dislocation.
In most people, repairing the MPFL makes the knee
joint more stable. Some people whose dislocation
problem is surgically repaired will have another dislocation. And many people
continue to have pain and swelling, which may be due to cartilage damage on the
underside of the patella.1
Some surgeons think it best to repair MPFL damage immediately after a
first patellar dislocation. Other surgeons will wait until they see a recurrent
problem.
References
Citations
-
Kaplan L, et al. (2007). Patellar maltracking section
of Knee injuries. In PJ McMahon, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Sports Medicine, pp. 92–95. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Other Works Consulted
- Mulford JS, et al. (2007). Assessment and management
of chronic patellofemoral instability. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, British Volume, 89-B(6): 709–716.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery |
|
Last Revised
|
January 9, 2012 |
Last Revised:
January 9, 2012
Kaplan L, et al. (2007). Patellar maltracking section
of Knee injuries. In PJ McMahon, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Sports Medicine, pp. 92–95. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
