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Tunnel-Enlargement After Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament (Mpfl) Reconstruction With A Free Gracilis Graft; Clinical Implications And Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation


Karl F. Schüttler, MD
GERMANY

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Tunnel-Enlargement After Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament (Mpfl) Reconstruction With A Free Gracilis Graft; Clinical Implications And Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation

Karl F. Schüttler, MD, GERMANY Ewgeni Ziring, MD, GERMANY Almut Hoeger, Student, GERMANY Philip P. Roessler, MD, MHBA, GERMANY Jens Figiel, MD, GERMANY Turgay Efe, MD, Prof., GERMANY

University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, GERMANY

2017 Congress   Paper Abstract   2017 Congress   Not yet rated

 

Anatomic Location

Knee Patellofemoral

Diagnosis / Condition

Instability

Summary: Only proximal malposition of the femoral tunnel showed a significant correlation with femoral tunnel enlargement although no functional or clinical disadvantages could be perceived related to the enlargement of the femoral tunnel.

Introduction

Medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a standard procedure in the armamentarium for the treatment of patella instability. While tunnel widening is a well studied phenomenon following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, only few data is available concerning tunnel enlargement after MPFL reconstruction.

Methods

Patients with a minimum follow-up of 1.5 years after MPFL reconstruction with a free gracilis graft were evaluated by clinical examination (Kujala, Tegner and IKDC scores) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On MRI tunnel diameter and tunnel position as well as possible cartilage damage, Caton-Dechamps index, trochlear dysplasia and TT-TG distance were assessed.

Results

23 of 51 consecutive patients showed a tunnel enlargement. In these 23 patients 20 patients showed a tunnel that was positioned too proximal. No redislocations occured in either group and range of motion showed no differences between patients with and without enlargement. Interestingly better clinical results as measured by Tegner scale, Kujala and IKDC score were seen in the enlarged group underlining incresed mechanic stress on the reconstructed MPFL as a possible reason for tunnel enlargement.

Conclusion

Tunnel enlargement after MPFL reconstruction might be related to tunnel malposition and increased stress on the fixation side. No adverse clinical results were found related to the enlargement of the femoral tunnel.