Abstract
In recent years, the importance of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for patellofemoral joint (P-F joint) stability has become widely recognized. We describe the effect of plication of the MPFL in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis, in terms of radiographic features. We classified treated patients into three groups according to the surgical procedure employed : Group 1 - MPFL plication only ; Group 2 - MPFL plication with added lateral release if necessary ; Group 3 - only lateral release if necessary. Congruity of the P-F joint was better in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3. In Group 1 there was more osteosclerotic change on the lateral facet of the patella than in Group 2 or 3.
In TKA, added plication of the MPFL improved the congruity of the P-F joint, and osteosclerotic change on the lateral facet of the patella was decreased by addition of lateral release if necessary. Better long-term results of TKA can be expected with the addition of MPFL plication, and lateral release if necessary.
