Dataset Information

Patellar instability MRI measurements are associated with knee joint degeneration after reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the 2-year magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcome after MPFL reconstruction at the knee and to assess MRI-based risk factors that predispose for inferior clinical and imaging outcomes.

Materials and methods

A total of 31 patients with MPFL reconstruction were included (22 ± 6 years, 10 female). MRI was performed preoperatively in 21/31 patients. Two-year follow-up MRI included quantitative cartilage T2 and T1rho relaxation time measurements at the ipsilateral and contralateral knee. T2_relative was calculated as T2_{patellofemoral}/T2_femorotibial. Morphological evaluation was conducted via WORMS scores. Patellar instability parameters and clinical scores were obtained. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, multivariate regression models, and correlation analyses.

Results

Two years after MPFL reconstruction, all patellae were clinically stable. Mean total WORMS scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up (mean difference ± SEM, - 4.0 ± 1.3; P = 0.005). As compared to patients with no worsening of WORMS subscores over time (n = 5), patients with worsening of any WORMS subscore (n = 16) had lower trochlear depth, lower facetal ratio, higher tibial-tuberosity to trochlear groove (TTTG) distance, and higher postoperative lateral patellar tilt (P < 0.05). T2_relative was higher at the ipsilateral knee (P = 0.010). T2_relative was associated with preoperatively higher patellar tilt (P = 0.021) and higher TTTG distance (P = 0.034). TTTG distance, global T2 values, and WORMS progression correlated with clinical outcomes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MPFL reconstruction is an optimal treatment strategy to restore patellar stability. Still, progressive knee joint degeneration and patellofemoral cartilage matrix degeneration may be observed, with patellar instability MRI parameters representing particular risk factors.

SUBMITTER: Giesler P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8763754 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a common procedure to address MPFL deficiency. Various techniques have been reported, with the best method still being pursued. Previous studies have revealed the advantage of internal bracing and possible advantage of wide patellar insertion in MPFL reconstruction. Thus, we would like to introduce a technique that combines the internal bracing and wide patellar insertion in MPFL reconstruction, in which the critical points are proper location of the patellar and femoral tunnels and proper tensioning of the augmenting sutures and the whole graft complex. Our clinical experience indicates that the proper application of this technique can lead to satisfactory clinical outcome. We consider the introduction of this technique will provide more insight to MPFL reconstruction. Technique Video Video 1 Wide patellar insertion medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with internal bracing. This procedure is performed in the left leg. The anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon is harvested. Both ends of the tendon are braided with nonabsorbable sutures. All parts of the knee are examined and debrided. The MPJ point on the medial edge of the patella is defined. A medial patellar incision is made over the MPJ (junction of the medial and proximal one-third). Two tunnels are created from the medial edge of the patella to the midline of the anterior surface of the patella. A longitudinal incision is made over the medial femoral epicondyle and the adductor tubercle. The femoral tunnel is located and created. Two guide sutures are passed though the patellar tunnels. The graft tendon along with 2 augmenting sutures are passed through the proximal tunnel and pulled back through the distal tunnel. Lateral retinaculum release is performed as indicated. The tendon and the augmenting sutures are pulled subcutaneously out of the medial incision. A cortical suspensory fixation device with an adjustable loop is passed through the femoral tunnel from the medial to the lateral side. Each tendon end, as well as the augmenting sutures are tied to the adjustable loop. A lateral incision is made. The sutures from the adjustable loop are pulled through the soft-tissue fissure resulting from the lateral retinaculum release out of the lateral incision. The cortical fixation device is pulled through the femoral tunnel till the tendon ends are pulled into the femoral tunnel. The arthroscope is placed to the lateral gutter of the knee though the anterolateral portal. The adjustable loop is reduced until the cortical fixation button is pulled back against the lateral orifice of the femoral tunnel. At 30? flexion of the knee, lateral displacement of the patella is checked to make sure that the medial stability of the patella is restored. (MPJ, medial–proximal junction.)