MRI-associated classification to evaluate the outcome after autologous reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
Purpose of this study was to establish and validate an MRI-associated classification to graduate postoperative results of MPFL reconstructions.


METHODS
30 autologous MPFL reconstructions of 28 patients were evaluated by two independent raters using MRI. All grafts were assigned to a novel graduation system respecting the graft's anchoring insertions, its MRI signal appearance, continuity and tension and the differentiation relating to the surrounding soft tissue.


RESULTS
All grafts could reliably be assigned to one of the subgroups by both raters. 86.6 % of the grafts could be classified A1 or B1, reflecting a correct positioning and a low to intermediate signal intensity. Only one graft had to be classified C3 (malpositioned, elongated).


CONCLUSIONS
We were able to establish and validate an MRI-associated classification to graduate the postoperative outcome after MPFL reconstructions. Foresighted, the presented classification might support further decision making in case of unsatisfying postoperative results.
Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe Seyler Strasse 6, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany. Raymond.Best@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
R
R
Best
Department of Orthopaedics, Diakonie Klinikum Schwäbisch Hall, Diakoniestrasse 10, 74523, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.
S
S
Hingelbaum
Department of Orthopaedics, Sportklinik Stuttgart GmbH, Taubenheimstraße 8, 70372, Stuttgart, Germany.
J
J
Huth
Department of Orthopaedics, Sportklinik Stuttgart GmbH, Taubenheimstraße 8, 70372, Stuttgart, Germany.
F
F
Mauch
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D055815:Young Adult
MPFL reconstructions; MRI classification; Postoperative outcome; Signal appearance; Tunnel positioning