Patellar Stabilization Surgery – MPFL

What is patellar instability or a loose kneecap?

The patella or the kneecap is the bone at the front of the knee that acts to provide protection to the knee joint and allow for proper movement of the muscles in the upper leg. Patellar instability is a knee condition that describes the abnormal movement of the kneecap outside of its normal range of motion. Loose kneecaps often happen because of a new or recurrent injury or tear to the ligaments that hold the patella in place and allow for its normal movement. These tears or injuries inhibit the proper function of these ligaments and may require patellar stabilization to correct this condition.

How does patellar instability occur?

The patella is dislocated when it is forced out of the groove of the knee that it is normally located in. This can occur by a forceful blow to the kneecap itself, or through twisting or rapid changes in direction of the knee joint during sports activities or other physical exercises. Athletes in high impact sports like running, jumping, basketball, soccer and football have the highest likelihood of sustaining a patella dislocation resulting in an unstable patella. The unnatural movement from these types of activities can cause injury to the ligaments that hold it in place and may require surgery to stabilize the patella. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, offers patellar stabilization surgery for patients who are having recurrent kneecap dislocations.

What are the treatment options for an unstable kneecap?

Depending on the underlying reason for the unstable kneecap and the patient’s health and activity goals, Dr. Lamplot may recommend and perform one of the following patellar stabilization treatments:

• Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction: This reconstructive procedure involves using a cadaver tendon to re-create the torn tendon that connects the patella to the femur (thighbone)
• Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A procedure that realigns the kneecap in order to prevent future dislocations

How is patella instability surgery or MPFL surgery done?

The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament is an important ligament that stabilizes the patella and connects it to the femur (thigh bone). After a dislocation or injury to this ligament, Dr. Lamplot may recommend this type of patellar stabilization surgery to stabilize a loose kneecap. This surgery is a type of combination procedure, using both a small camera (arthroscope) and mini-open knee surgery techniques. Dr. Lamplot will first visually inspect the injury to the ligament and then use an allograft (cadaver) tendon to repair or reconstruct the injured MPFL. The allograft tendon will be connected to the patella and femur bones with the goal of returning stability and normal function to the patella and knee.

How long does it take to recover from patellar stabilization surgery?

Immediately following patellar stabilization surgery, the patient will wear a knee brace to immobilize the knee joint and allow the reconstructed ligament to heal properly. Pain medication may be prescribed to assist with pain, alongside the use of ice and elevation of the knee to alleviate swelling after surgery. Patients limit weight-bearing activities on the knee by using crutches for approximately six weeks after surgery. Following this time, Dr. Lamplot will reassess the healing of the surgical site to ensure it is safe for the patient to progress physical therapy to return strength and mobility to the reconstructed knee. Following the completion of physical therapy, most patients can expect to return to normal physical activities including sports approximately 5 to 7 months after their surgery occurs.

Patellar Instability Surgeon