Editorial Commentary: When It Comes to Patient Outcome, Femoral Tunnel Vision May Miss the 'Point' in Knee Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

Abstract

Surgeons care deeply about optimizing femoral tunnel position in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. We use a combination of anatomy, isometry, and fluoroscopy to determine the appropriate position of our graft. Although malposition does increase the risk of surgical complication, it is unclear whether femoral tunnel position actually matters for clinical outcome. Surgeons should avoid "tunnel vision" in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction by recognizing the combination of anatomic, biomechanical, patient-specific, and technique-dependent variables that may drive patient satisfaction and subjective outcome.