Clinical Outcomes After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Fixation of the Gracilis Tendon via Transosseous Tunnels

BACKGROUND: Several fixation methods have been introduced in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. However, the optimal management of patients with recurrent patellar dislocation remains controversial. PURPOSE: To present a case series with a minimum 2-year follow-up of 29 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who underwent a new transosseous suture fixation technique for MPFL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: From January 2014 through February 2016, a total of 29 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation for which the MPFL was reconstructed with transosseous suture patellar fixation were studied. All patients were available for follow-up (mean, 37.52 months; range, 26-48 months). The patellar attachment was fixed by transosseous patellar sutures. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Kujala score, Tegner score, range of motion, congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and complications were assessed both pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: No recurrent dislocation was observed in any of the 29 patients for a minimum of 2 years. All outcome scores improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively: the average IKDC subjective knee evaluation score from 53 to 87, Kujala from 54 to 90, Lysholm from 50 to 89, and Tegner from 3 to 5 (P < .001 for all). The congruence angle significantly decreased from 22° preoperatively to –3° postoperatively, and the patellar tilt angle (Merchant) decreased from 23° preoperatively to 5° postoperatively (P < .001 for both). In total, 25 patients (25/29; 86.21%) were completely pain-free when performing activities of daily living at the last follow-up, and 27 patients (93.1%) rated themselves as very satisfied or satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic recurrent patellar dislocation, transosseous patellar suture fixation for MPFL reconstruction can significantly improve patellar stability and achieve good results at short-term follow-up.