Double-bundle anatomical medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with lateral retinaculum plasty can lead to good outcomes in patients with patellar dislocation.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of double-bundle anatomical medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with lateral retinaculum plasty versus isolated MPFL reconstruction for patellar dislocation.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2013, 64 patients underwent either double-bundle anatomical MPFL reconstruction combined with lateral retinaculum plasty (Group A, 32 patients), or isolated MPFL reconstruction (Group B, 32 patients). Clinical evaluations were performed 2 years post-operatively and included determination of the number of patients with patellar redislocation, the patellar tilt angle, lateral patellar shift, subjective symptoms, and functional outcomes as evaluated with the Kujala score and Lysholm score.

RESULTS

No dislocation or subluxation occurred during the 25-month follow-up. Radiographically, the patellar tilt angle was 6.0° ± 1.7° in Group A and 6.7° ± 2.0° in Group B, without a significant difference (n. s). The lateral patellar shift was 8.0 ± 2.6 mm in Group A and 8.5 ± 2.4 mm in Group B (n. s). The mean Kujala score was 91.8 ± 3.7 in Group A and 91.5 ± 3.6 in Group B post-operatively (n. s), and the mean Lysholm score was 92.5 ± 3.8 and 90.8 ± 4.9, respectively (n. s).

CONCLUSIONS

Double-bundle anatomical MPFL reconstruction with lateral retinaculum plasty is a promising procedure that provides a new option for patellar dislocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.