Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL)

Original Editor - Beverly Klinger

Top Contributors - Beverly Klinger

Description[edit | edit source]

MPFL.jpg

The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) is an hour-glass shaped ligament made of bands of retinacular tissue. The MPFL plays a significant role in the stabilization of the medial aspect of the patella. Especially during the early stages of knee flexion, the MPFL is a critical component in patellar tracking and stability within the trochlear groove. [1]

Attachments[edit | edit source]

The medial patellofemoral ligament is located in the second layer of three soft tissue layers within the medial aspect of the knee.[2] The MPFL originates from a triangular space running between the adductor tubercle, medial femoral condyle and gastconemius tubercle, superior to the superficial medial collateral ligament (MCL). [1][2] The MPFL has a broad insertion (20-30mm) onto the superomedial aspect of the patella[1]. The proximal insertion extends to the quadriceps tendon while the distal insertion crosses deep to the distal vastus medialis obliquus (VMO)[2]. It has an average length of 56mm.[1]

Function[edit | edit source]

The main function of the medial patellofemoral ligament is to provide restraint to the patella during early knee flexion (0-30 degrees)[2]. It acts in maintaining appropriate patellar tracking within the trochlear groove, while providing 50-60% of the restraining force against lateral displacement[1][2].

Clinical relevance[edit | edit source]

During acute lateral patellar dislocations (LPD), the MPFL is ruptured >90% of the time with almost 100% rupture occurring in repeat dislocations.[3] Lateral dislocations most often occur when the foot is planted and an internal rotational force is applied to a flexed, valgus knee joint[2]. MPFL reconstruction surgery is often performed in patients with patellofemoral instability who have suffered recurrent lateral patellar dislocations. Surgical repair of the MPFL restores the medial patellar stability.[3]

Assessment[edit | edit source]

X-ray of patellar subluxation.jpg

Medial patellofemoral ligament rupture will present with pain and tenderness along the medial retinaculum as well as the medial border of the patella. The patient will present with apprehension during lateral translation of the patella with the absence of a firm end feel. Radiographic images (lateral and sunrise view) will show bony contusions as well as lateral subluxation of the patella which would indicate a possible MPFL tear. [2] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides the most accurate assessment of MPFL soft tissue integrity.[4].

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Conservative treatment, especially after the first lateral patellar dislocation, has been regarded as the most appropriate course of treatment. Rehabilitation with physical therapy and bracing is the prescribed treatment for lateral patellar dislocation. Surgical intervention of the MPFL is performed only when conservative treatment fails or the patient presents with recurring dislocations[2]. MPFL rescontruction has better short- and midterm clinical outcomes compared to MPFL repair[5].

[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Aframian A, Smith TO, Tennent TD, Cobb JP, Hing CB. Origin and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a systematic review of anatomy. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2017 Dec 1;25(12):3755-72.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Krebs C, Tranovich M, Andrews K, Ebraheim N. The medial patellofemoral ligament: Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics. 2018 Jun;15(2):596.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Baer MR, Macalena JA. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: patient selection and perspectives. Orthopedic research and reviews. 2017;9:83.
  4. Gulati A, McElrath C, Wadhwa V, Shah JP, Chhabra A. Current clinical, radiological and treatment perspectives of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The British Journal of Radiology. 2018 Jun;91(1086):20170456.
  5. Puzzitiello RN, Waterman B, Agarwalla A, Zuke W, Cole BJ, Verma NN, Yanke AB, Forsythe B. Primary medial patellofemoral ligament repair versus reconstruction: rates and risk factors for instability recurrence in a young, active patient population. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. 2019 Oct 1;35(10):2909-15.
  6. Nabil Ebraheim. Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Of The Knee Anatomy ,Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFbe-PhnfJE. [Last accessed 19/11/20]