Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL)
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Description[edit | edit source]
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 within 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 inserts 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 medialia obliquus (VMO)[2].
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]
Assessment[edit | edit source]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 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.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Krebs C, Tranovich M, Andrews K, Ebraheim N. The medial patellofemoral ligament: Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics. 2018 Jun;15(2):596.
