Medial Patella-Femoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction

The medial patella-femoral ligament is crucial for holding the kneecap in alignment. When a kneecap dislocation occurs, this ligament may be stretched or torn, resulting in lost stability and tracking for the patella. This type of knee injury most commonly occurs with serious or professional athletes that have impact to the knee joint while performing. At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center, we offer medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction surgery at our Miami, FL facility.

MPFL tears occur when a kneecap dislocation injury occurs. This type of injury involves pushing the kneecap to the outside of the knee – if the leg is extended or straight and force is applied to the inside of the kneecap, it can be shoved to the outside of the knee. The MPFL is located on the inside of the knee and may be torn when the patella is pushed out of alignment. A torn MPFL injury may be accompanied by damage to the meniscus, cartilage or other knee components.

Patella Dislocation Surgery

If the MPFL is torn during a patella dislocation, surgery could be required to restore normal function of the knee joint. The kneecap can be restored into the trochlear groove and the MPFL can be reconstructed to keep the patella in the correct position. A donor tendon from the hamstring or other tendon in the leg can be harvested for the MPRL reconstruction surgery. If there is damage to the meniscus or other components of the knee from the patella dislocation injury, repairs can be made during the MPFL surgery.

Dr. Glashow has earned his reputation as one of the top sports injury orthopedic surgeons in the country. MPFL tears are most common among athletes that have an extended leg rotated or kneecap impacted from the inside of the leg. If you have a kneecap dislocation that results in an MPFL tear, Dr. Glashow and his team can provide the needed treatment or reconstruction surgery to restore knee function.

To learn more about MPFL reconstruction surgery, contact us at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center. Call our office in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL, area to schedule your appointment.