title: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patellar instability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is one of the major static medial stabilising structures of the patella. MPFL is most often damaged in patients with patellar instability. Reconstruction of MPFL is becoming a common surgical procedure in treating patellar instability. We hypothesised that MPFL reconstruction was adequate to treat patients with patellar instability if the tibial tubercle and the centre of the trochlear groove (TT-TG) value was less than 20 mm and without a dysplastic trochlea.
  
  
  METHODS
  30 patients matching our inclusion criteria and operated between April 2009 and May 2011 were included in the study. MPFL reconstruction was performed using gracilis tendon fixed with endobutton on the patellar side and bio absorbable interference screw or staple on the femoral side. Patients were followed up with subjective criteria, Kujala score and Lysholm score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean duration of followup was 25 months (range 14-38 months). The mean preoperative Kujala score was 47.5 and Lysholm score was 44.7. The mean postoperative Kujala score was 87 and Lysholm score was 88.06. None of the patients had redislocation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MPFL reconstruction using gracilis tendon gives excellent results in patients with patellar instability with no redislocations. Some patients may have persistence of apprehension.
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Ms
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krishna Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Sankarram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Renganathan
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Clement J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Tr
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Easwar
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: David V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Rajan
keywords: Gracilis tendon; Kujala score; Tendon transfer; joint instability; ligaments; medial patellofemoral ligament; patellar dislocation; patellar instability