Anatomic physeal‐sparing MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients shows favourable outcomes at a minimum of 24‐month follow‐up

• Published in: Journal of experimental orthopaedics 2024-10, Vol.11 (4), p.e70063-n/a
• Main Authors: Ntagiopoulos, Panagiotis, Pozzi, Pierrenzo, Kalinterakis, Georgios, Fligkos, Dimitris, Dimou, Triantafyllia, Compagnoni, Riccardo, Ferrua, Paolo, Randelli, Pietro Simone
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: knee; MPFL; Original Paper; paediatric surgery; patella dislocation
• ISSN: 2197-1153; 2197-1153
• DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.70063

Purpose Recurrent patellar dislocation is a prevalent orthopaedic issue among active paediatric and adolescent populations. Bony surgical procedures are not recommended in growing patients; therefore, the focus of surgery is on restoring the medial patellar ligaments, with different reconstructive techniques available. This retrospective case series focuses on the 2‐year outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients with open physis. Methods Twenty‐four consecutive patients with patellofemoral instability and open growth plates underwent anatomic MPFL reconstruction with a physeal‐sparing technique. All subjects have had more than three episodes of true patellar dislocations. Preoperative radiographic examination included anteroposterior and lateral views to assess patella alta and limb alignment. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate trochlear dysplasia and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance. The patients were questioned regarding complications and clinical outcomes using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Kujala and Paediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi‐IKDC) score. Variables were evaluated using paired t test with significance at p