Preoperative Patella Alta on Caton-Deschamps Index Is a Predictor of Outcome Following Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) ≥ 1.30, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, is associated with rates of postoperative instability, revision knee surgery, and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) between 2015 and 2019 at a single institution were assessed. Only those with at least 2 year follow up were included. Patients who had undergone a previous ipsilateral knee surgery, concomitant tibial tubercle osteotomy and/or ligamentous repair/reconstruction at the time of MPFL reconstruction were excluded from the study. CDIs were evaluated by three investigators based on magnetic resonance imaging measurement. Patients with a CDI ≥ 1.30 were included in the patella alta group, while those with a CDI between 0.70 and 1.29 served as controls. A retrospective review of clinical notes was used to evaluate the number of postoperative instability episodes and revisions. Functional outcomes were measured by the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical and mental scores.

RESULTS

Overall, 49 patients (50 knees, 29 males, 59.2%) underwent isolated MPFLR. Nineteen (38.8%) patients had a CDI ≥ 1.30 (mean: 1.41, range: 1.30-1.66). The patella alta group was significantly more likely to experience a postoperative instability episode (36.8% vs 10.0%;  = .023) and was more likely to return to the operating room for any reason (26.3% vs 3.0%;  = .022) compared to those with normal patellar height. Despite this, the patella alta group had significantly greater postoperative IKDC (86.5 vs 72.4;  = .035) and SF-12 physical (54.2 vs 46.5;  = .006) scores. Pearson's correlation showed a significant association between CDI and postoperative IKDC (  = 0.157;  = .022) and SF-12P (  = .246;  = .002) scores. There was no difference in postoperative Lysholm (87.9 vs 85.1;  = .531). and SF-12M (48.9 vs 52.5;  = .425) scores between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with preoperative patella alta, as measured by CDI had higher rates of postoperative instability and return to the OR with isolated MPFL reconstruction for patellar instability. Despite this, higher preoperative CDI was associated with greater postoperative IKDC scores and SF-12 physical scores in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study, Level IV.