OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical therapeutic results of allograft tendon for anatomical reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of patellar dislocations.

METHODSFrom September 2008 to June 2013, 16 patients with patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstructions. There were 2 males and 14 females, aged 11 to 27 years old (16 years old on average). Patellar dislocations occurred in 11 left and 5 right knees. The disease course ranged from 3 to 10 years. The frequency of dislocation ranged from 9 to 33 times (19 times on average). Affected knee joints showed patellar instability; the range of action for patella obviously increased. The X-ray films showed patellar dislocation. The preoperative Q angle was (36 ± 9)°, and the congruence angle was (63 ± 18)°. Reconstruction was performed via allograft tendon. Allograft tendon was fixed through the superomedial pole of the patella, and the other end was fixed at the natural MPFL insertion site near the medial femoral condyle with an interference screw in a bone tunnel. All the patients were evaluated postoperatively; Kujala patellofemoral scores, objective knee function, complications, and reoperations were assessed.

RESULTSPrimary healing was achieved in all cases. No infection or necrosis and absorption of grafts was observed. All the patients were followed up for an average of 16.4 months (ranged, 10 to 24 months) postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, all the patients had no pain, swelling and patellar instability; neither patella redislocation nor fracture occurred. The X-ray films showed good position of tunnel 6 months after operation, and the congruence angle was (5 ± 9)°, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). The postoperative Q angle was (17 ± 8)°, the Kujala knee function score improved significantly from 45.20 ± 9.20 to 89.30 ± 6.40 at the latest follow-up, showing statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMPFL reconstruction improves clinical symptoms. Anatomical MPFL reconstruction is effective for patellar dislocation, and it offers good recovery of the premorbid patella mechanics. The interference screw provides firm fixation. Allograft can avoid the graft harvest site morbidity, but it increases the cost of the surgery.