Femoral Tunnel Fixation for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in the Growing Patient

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has been shown to be a successful treatment for patients with recurrent patellar instability. The purpose of this study is compare radiographic parameters prior and following an MPFL femoral tunnel fixation in the skeletally immature patient investigate potential effects on physic future growth. Skeletally undergoing isolated were retrospectively reviewed. Fixation proximal was performed as socket using Schottle’s point entry approximately 5 mm distal physis. Patients open growth plates 1-year post-operative standing alignments included. Radiographic measures tilt, height, subluxation, trochlear dysplasia compared pre-operatively post-operatively operative limb. Pre- coronal alignment limb length measurements between non-operative limbs. Nineteen average age 11.6 years (range 5-15 old) underwent reconstruction. follow-up time 24 months. No significant differences found change femur (0.49 mm, p=0.526) or total (1.08 p=0.241) when comparing limb, 47 seen during period. There no difference LDFA well symmetric changes noted mechanical axis. tilt (12.78°, p=0.030), height by Caton-Deschamps approached significance (0.08mm, p= 0.077). measures. present suggests safe does not result disturbance patients.