One of the ligaments that stabilizes the patella, or kneecap, is the medial patella-femoral ligament, or MPFL. The MPFL connects the patella to the femur, or thigh bone, keeping it in place when the knee is bent or straightened. A knee injury can cause damage or tears to the MPFL. Severe tears or ruptures require surgical ligament reconstruction. Dr. Steven Struhl at Shoulders & Knees offers MPFL reconstruction surgery at our clinics in NYC and Westchester.
One of the most common causes of an MPFL tear or rupture is a dislocation of the kneecap. When the kneecap shifts out of place, it can put extreme stress on the MPFL, causing damage to the ligament. Once the MPFL is damaged, the patella can feel unstable. It is common for the kneecap to shift out of place or have multiple knee dislocations after an MPFL injury. To restore stability to the patella and knee joint, MPFL reconstruction surgery may be required.
Restoring Patella Stability
MPFL injuries can result in patella instability. The symptoms include pain during movement in the kneecap, a sense of the kneecap shifting during movement and tenderness with pressure on the patella. Mild to moderate MPFL injuries may be treated without surgical repair or reconstruction but should undergo supervised rehabilitation. While MPFL injuries can be surgically repaired, the results are not always reliable. For severe MPFL injuries, MPFL reconstruction surgery may be recommended, with improved success rates.
MPFL reconstruction surgery is usually recommended when a patient has experienced multiple knee dislocations. The torn or ruptured MPFL can be reconstructed using a grafted hamstring tendon, restoring the stability to the patella.
If you have suffered an MPFL injury and knee instability or dislocation, contact us at Shoulders & Knees. Dr. Struhl is a top orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, offering advanced MCL reconstruction surgery at our state-of-the-art medical facilities. Call us today to schedule a consultation and exam to discuss the best options for restoring your knee function.
