Abstract
The medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) is the term used to describe the primary soft tissue stabilizer of the patella, which consists of fibers that attach to the patella (medial patellofemoral ligament, or MPFL), and the quadriceps tendon (medial quadriceps tendon femoral ligament, or MQTFL). Despite the variability of its attachment on the extensor mechanism, the midpoint of this complex is consistently at the junction of the medial quadriceps tendon with the articular surface of the patella, indicating that either patellar or quadriceps tendon fixation can be used for anatomic reconstruction. Multiple techniques exist to reconstruct the MPFC, including graft fixation on the patella, quadriceps tendon, or both structures. Various techniques using several graft types and fixation devices have all reported good outcomes. Regardless of the location of fixation on the extensor mechanism, elements critical to the success of the procedure include anatomic femoral tunnel placement, avoiding placing undue tension on the graft, and addressing concurrent morphological risk factors when present. This infographic reviews the anatomy and techniques for the reconstruction of the MPFC, including graft configuration, type, and fixation, while addressing common pearls and pitfalls in the surgical treatment of patellar instability.
Supplementary Data
- ICMJE author disclosure forms
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 10,
2023
Received:
August 18,
2022
Footnotes
The authors report the following potential conflicts of interest or sources of funding: M.J.T. reports a research grant from Fujifilm and consulting fees from DePuy Synthes and Verywell Health. She is also an editorial board member of the Arthroscopy Journal, AJSM, JBJS, and Journal of Women's Sports Medicine; she is a committee member of AAOS, AOSSM, AANA, ISAKOS, and AOA. Full ICMJE author disclosure forms are available for this article online, as supplementary material.
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Copyright
© 2023 by the Arthroscopy Association of North America
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