Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with autologous quadriceps tendon.

Abstract

In knees with insufficient or previously disrupted medial retinacular and patellofemoral ligaments caused by subluxation or dislocation, anatomic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament may be performed. This procedure involves harvesting of an 8 x 70-mm medial quadriceps tendon graft, which leaves the quadriceps tendon retinacular attachment intact and avoids patellar and femoral drill holes. This graft is passed beneath the retinaculum adjacent to the femoral epicondyle and is sutured to the medial intermuscular septum-a procedure that reproduces the medial patellofemoral ligament and is supported by imbrication of the remaining medial retinaculum. The tension of the graft and of the medial retinaculum is set at closure with the knee in 30 degrees to 45 degrees of flexion; this allows the patella to be moved a distance equal to 25% of its width. Avoidance of drill holes allows the procedure to be used regardless of skeletal maturity and reduces fracture complications, inadequate graft placement, and failure of fixation. Postoperative rehabilitation includes immediate knee motion from 0 degrees to 90 degrees and partial weight bearing.