This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Accuracy of lateral radiography determines femoral fixation site for MPFL graft placement
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Anatomic tunnel placement in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, particularly on the femur, is critical to restoring graft isometry and function. Although the anatomy of the medial knee has been well described, nonanatomic medial patellofemoral ligament femoral tunnel placement is not uncommon with proximal and anterior malposition reported in reconstruction surgery.
Cory Edgar
Associated increases in graft tension, medial tilt, and medial patellofemoral contact pressures and medial facet overload have been reported, which may lead to medial compartment arthritis. Studies have reported radiographic landmarks for delineating the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) femoral attachment on true lateral radiographs. However, obtaining a true lateral radiograph intraoperatively can be challenging, rendering radiographic methods for tunnel positioning potentially problematic. This is a brief demonstration of the importance of this problem.
To read the full Patellofemoral Update blog from Cory Edgar, MD, PhD, click here.