Quantifying the Relationship Between the Medial Patellofemoral Complex and Patellar Borders: A Pediatric Cadaveric Study

BACKGROUND: The medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) is comprised of the medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament (MQTFL) superiorly and the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) inferiorly. The anatomy of the pediatric MPFL has been well-described, however, the MPFC in skeletally immature patients and its relationship to the quadriceps tendon and superior patellar border has yet to be described. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the MPFC attachment and quadriceps tendon and patella in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: 16 pediatric knees were dissected to analyze the MPFC insertion on the quadriceps tendon. Dissection was performed using a lateral parapatellar arthrotomy followed by eversion of the extensor mechanism to evaluate the MPFC fibers from its undersurface. The patellar articular length (PL), patellar width, and quadriceps tendon attachment (QTA) of the MPFC above the superior pole of the patella were measured using the ImageJ program. Additionally, the ratio of quadriceps tendon attachment to patellar length was calculated as a percent (QTA/PL%). Two sample t-tests were used to identify significant differences. RESULTS: The average age of the specimens included in this study was 9.6 years. Specimens were divided into two cohorts: a younger cohort (4-8 years), and an older cohort (9-12 years). The QTA above the patella averaged 10.6 mm in the younger cohort and 13.4 mm in the older cohort with no significant difference between the two groups (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in average QTA/PL% which was found to be 47.8% and 48% for the younger and older cohorts respectively (Figure 1). PL was significantly longer in the older cohort (Figure 1). As shown in Figure 2, the insertion of the proximal MPFC into the quadriceps tendon can be variable across specimens. CONCLUSION: This study clarifies the anatomy of the pediatric MPFC in exceptionally rare pediatric specimens. The MQTFL relationship to the quadriceps tendon is important to guide surgical reconstructions of the medial stabilizers of the patellofemoral joint. Primary and recurrent patella instability remains a significant problem in those under 20 years. A better understanding of the MPFC (both the MQTFL and MPFL components) will support anatomic reconstructions to stabilize the joint.