Return to activity after medial patellofemoral ligament repair or reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the ability of patients to return to activity after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction or repair for patellar instability.


METHODS
A systematic review was performed using multiple databases. Studies reporting outcomes with Tegner scores after repair or reconstruction of the MPFL were included. Surgical technique, Tegner scores, and episodes of recurrent patellar instability were recorded.


RESULTS
Ten articles with a total of 402 patients were included. The mean preoperative Tegner score was 4.7 (2.9 to 7.5). The mean postoperative Tegner score was 5.8 (4.0 to 7.7). Forty-nine patients (12.2%) had a recurrent episode of instability, 11 of whom required additional corrective procedures. There was a statistically significant larger failure rate among those who underwent MPFL repair (26.9%) than those who underwent reconstruction (6.6%) or medial retinacular repair/plication (16.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Recurrent dislocation was higher in patients who underwent MPFL repair rather than reconstruction. However, repair and reconstruction had similar Tegner scores. Repair or reconstruction of the soft tissue structures contributing to patellofemoral instability is successful in returning patients to preinjury activity levels.


METHODS
Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III, and IV studies.
Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
George T
GT
Matic
Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
Robert A
RA
Magnussen
Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
Gregory P
GP
Kolovich
Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.. Electronic address: david.flanigan@osumc.edu.
David C
DC
Flanigan
D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D057071:Patellofemoral Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D062707:Return to Work