Patellar dislocation in skeletally immature patients: Semitendinosous and gracilis augmentation for combined medial patellofemoral and medial patellotibial ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: Patellar instability is a frequent condition in children and adolescents. The problem can be associated with malalignment resulting from different anatomical abnormalities. Several surgical procedures have been suggested for recurrent patellar dislocation consequent to failed conservative treatment. Methods: We present an original surgical procedure for reconstructing both the medial patellofemoral (MPFL) and medial patellotibial ligaments (MPTL) by semitendinosus (ST) tendon with gracilis (G) autograft augmentation in skeletally immature patients with recurrent patellar dislocation. Results: This technique is effective and permits satisfactory patellar congruency documented by static and dynamic CT. Conclusions: The operation is associated with optimal functional results and is minimally invasive, causing no growth disturbance. Level of evidence: Expert opinion, Level V. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.