Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: A new technique

Abstract

Background. Primary patellofemoral dislocations are common. In most patients, non-operative management produces satisfactory outcome. If the dislocation recurs after a trial of rehabilitation, operative intervention is considered, with the aim of restoring the soft tissue anatomy to normal. Ninety four percent of patients suffer a tear to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) following a patellar dislocation. Results. We describe our transverse patella double tunnel technique to reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament using a free autologous gracilis or semitendinous graft. © 2007 Carmont and Maffulli; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.