Comparison Between Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Alone Versus Combined MPFL & Medial Patellotibial Ligament Reconstruction in the Management of Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation in Children

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common condition that may result from numerous underlying soft tissue and bony abnormalities, and can significantly impact the patients' quality of life and function. It is estimated that PFI affects between 5.8 and 29 out of every 100,000 children aged 10 to 17 years [1].

Patellar instability is defined as a symptomatic deficiency of the passive constraint such that the patella may escape partially or completely from its anatomic position with respect to the femoral trochlea under the influence of a displacing force. Such a displacing force could be generated by muscle tension, movement, and/or externally applied forces [2].

The etiology of RPD is multifactorial, including medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injuries, abnormally lateralized tibial tubercle (TT), femoral trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, increased femoral anteversion and genu valgum [3,5].

The MPFL is the primary static soft tissue restraint which restrains against lateral subluxation and dislocation of the patella, especially between 0° and 30° of knee flexion [3]. And the MPTL act as secondary restraint[4.]

Therefore, injury or deficiency of MPFL is one of the predisposing factors for RPD.Therefore, an anatomical repair MPFL is necessary to prevent redislocation of patella [6].

MPFL reconstruction is widely recognized as an important component of the current treatment for recurrent patellar instability, MPTL reconstruction improve medial patellar stabilization, patellar tilt, patellar rotation as well as decreases stress on MPFL.A large number of surgical methods for treating patellofemoral instability have been described in various studies, but the best method is still controversial[7].

This study is prepared to compare the results of MPFL reconstruction versus combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction in management of recurrent lateral patellar dislocation in children .