OBJECTIVETo evaluate the middle term effectiveness of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation.

METHODSFrom February 2007 to January 2010, 65 patients including 6 males and 59 females with recurrent patellar dislocation received the MPFL reconstruction. The reconstruction was performed using ipsilateral semitendinosis tendon to restore the damaged MPFL. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively by physical and subjectively with the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), Tegner, and Lysholm questionnaires and radiographic examination.

RESULTSThe average follow-up duration was 20 months (ranged, 15 to 23 months). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation occurred. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at most recent follow-up. The Lysholm subjective knee evaluation score improved from (60.6 +/- 3.7) preoperatively to (89.8 +/- 4.6) postoperatively; and Tegner scores improved from (3.6 +/- 0.4) to (5.6 +/- 0.3), IKDC from (40.0 +/- 3.5) to (82.0 +/- 3.6). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated improvements in the congruence and sulcus femoral angles.

CONCLUSIONMPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation.