MPFL Reconstruction Recovery, Sucess Rate, Complications, Cost

A new medial patellofemoral ligament is generated during the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament reconstruction procedure to support the knee and aid in preventing further injury to the joint. It is an effective therapy option for individuals who have undergone several dislocations. It is the MPFL that connects the patella (kneecap) to the inner thigh bone. As the knee moves, it aids in stabilizing the kneecap and stops it from shifting or dislocating outward.

Imaging investigations, as well as exploratory surgery, have shown that an injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is connected to patella dislocations. About 90 percent of patients have a torn MPFL after the initial dislocation. After the initial dislocation event, 17 percent to 69 percent of patients experience recurrent dislocation. Patellar tilt and aberrant patellar track can eventually result in patellofemoral osteoarthritis, even if there are no future dislocations of the kneecap. 

MPFL Reconstruction Recovery

Six weeks of bracing are recommended after MPFL reconstruction surgery to allow the ligament to recover. For the first 2 weeks following surgery, only 90 degrees of knee flexion is permitted before complete flexion is permitted. Most people can return to sports or play between 4 and 7 months following MPFL restoration. Recovery timeframes following surgery can vary depending on the anatomy, ability to heal, and general health previous to surgery.

MPFL Reconstruction Success Rate

Modern MPFL Reconstruction is a well-described surgical procedure that is effective in a significant proportion. Up to 95% of excellent functional outcomes have been recorded, and multiple studies have shown a large decrease in postoperative re-dislocation. The failure rate of this surgery to stabilize an unstable patella is approximately 4.8 percent, making it one of the most successful procedures available.

MPFL Reconstruction Complications

Even though MPFL reconstruction has a high success rate, complications and failure are still common. In one meta-analysis, the combined rate of complications and failure was found to be 26 percent. A small percentage of patients do experience recurrent postoperative instability. Pain in the front of the knee and a reduced range of motion in the knee are two additional consequences. 

The following complications are mostly seen after this surgery:

• A knee injury caused by bleeding.
• Damage to the knee's ligaments, meniscus, or cartilage.
• Blood clot development in the leg.
• Damage to a nerve or blood artery.
• Joint infection in the knee.
• Stiffness in the knees after the operation.

MPFL Reconstruction Cost

This treatment is performed to address kneecap dislocations that are severe and occur frequently, such as a patellar fracture. The MPFL is a significant patellar ligament that stabilizes the joint and aids in preventing dislocation or displacement of the patella. A direct hit to the knee, a twisting trauma to the lower leg, a powerful muscle contraction, or a congenital anomaly like shallow or deformed joint surfaces all lead to dislocation. The approximate cost of this surgery is $7,950.00.