Recurrent Dislocation of the Patella: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Associated With Advancement of Vastus Medialis and Lateral Release

PURPOSE: To evaluate results of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction associated with lateral release and advancement of vastus medialis in recurrent dislocation of the patella. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients with a mean follow-up of 19 months. Mean age was 23, mainly women. We did MPFL reconstruction with semitendinosus or gracilis tendon depending on BMI, associated with advancement of vastus medialis and lateral release. RESULTS: Mean Kujala score improved from 46,54 pts. preoperative to 88,36 postoperative. Our main complication was 1 patient with rigid knee, who required movilization under anesthesia and arthroscopic arthrolisis to improve her outcome. CONCLUSION: The combination of this techniques are a good alternative to treat patients with recurrent patella disclocation, with good short and mid-term results. Biomechanic intra and postop complications of MPFL reconstruction are related to patellar fixation, anatomic positioning of femoral tunnel and knee position of the graft fixation.