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Page 1: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,
Page 2: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,
Page 3: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

Arno SCHMELING, M.D.Andreas WEILER, M.D., Ph.D.

Sporthopaedicum Berlin, Germany

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Important notice:

Medical knowledge is ever changing. As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge, changes in treatment and therapy may be required. The authors and editors of the material herein have consulted sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is complete and in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error by the authors, editors, or publisher of the work herein, or changes in medical knowledge, neither the authors, editors, publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation of this work, warrants that the information con-tained herein is in every respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from use of such information. The information contained within this brochure is intended for use by doctors and other health care professionals. This material is not intended for use as a basis for treatment decisions, and is not a substitute for professional consultation and/or peer-reviewed medical literature.

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon GraftArno SCHMELING, M.D. Andreas WEILER, M.D., Ph.D. Sporthopaedicum Berlin, Germany Address for correspondence: Dr. med. Arno Schmeling Sporthopaedicum Berlin Oranienburger Strasse 70 D-13437 Berlin, Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 18 05 - 888 9 119 Fax: +49 (0) 18 05 - 888 9 113 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.sporthopaedicum.de

© 2014 Tuttlingen Printed in Germany, ISBN 978-3-89756-733-7 P.O. Box, D-78503 Tuttlingen, Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 74 61/1 45 90 Fax: +49 (0) 74 61/708-529 E-mail: [email protected]

Editions in languages other than English and German are in preparation. For up-to-date information please contact

Tuttlingen, Germany, at the address indicated above.

Layout and illustrations: Tuttlingen, Germany

Printed by: Straub Druck + Medien AG D-78713 Schramberg, Germany

12.14-0.5

Illustration (Fig. 2, 14b): Harald Konopatzki, Grünewaldstraße 3a, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany E-mail: [email protected]

Photography: Jens Rötzsch www.jensroetzsch.de

Some of the product names, patents, and registered designs referred to in this booklet are in fact registered trademarks or proprietary names even though specific reference to this fact is not always made in the text. Therefore, the appearance of a name without designation as proprietary is not to be con-strued as a representation by the publisher that it is in the public domain.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated, reprinted or reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanic al, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or utilized in any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Please note: A DVD is available on this topic, produced by the authors in cooperation with KARL STORZ MediaService.

KS721: Schmeling A, Weiler A. Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

KARL STORZ MediaService Tuttlingen, Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 74 61/708-0 Fax: +49 (0) 74 61/708-547 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.karlstorz.com

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft4

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Table of Contents1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.1 Patellofemoral Instability – The Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2. Operating Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.1 Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2 Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 Arthroscopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.4 Harvesting the Graft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.5 Graft Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.6 Patellar Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.7 Femoral Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.8 Graft Passage and Fixation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.9 Postoperative Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3. Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.1 Open Epiphyseal Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.2 Mixed Pathologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.3 Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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1. Introduction

1.1 Patellofemoral Instability – The Risk FactorsIn recent years there has been an extremely rapid growth of knowledge, as well as a paradigm shift, with regard to the patellofemoral joint37.

Patellofemoral instability is the result of multiple competing factors, or risk factors, which never occur in isolation but are always present in varying degrees and are interrelated with one another.

Three main factors determine the function and stability of the femoropatellar joint:

Active stabilizers (muscles) Passive stabilizers (capsule and ligaments) Static factors (bony geometry of the femoropatellar joint).

Table 1: Overview of risk factors for patellofemoral instability

Passive stabilizers Lateral retinaculum Medial retinaculum: MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament)

Static stabilizers Trochlear geometry: trochlear dysplasia Patellar dysplasia: no proven effect Patella alta

Alignment of extensor apparatus Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance or Q angle

Valgus deformity Femoral anteversion, external rotation of the tibia

Other risk factors Contralateral patellar dislocation Familial occurrence

At the start of knee flexion (approximately 0–20°), mediolateral translation of the patella is limited chiefly by the medial patello-femoral complex. But as flexion increases and the patella glides into the trochlear groove (approximately 20–100°), the bony geometry of the trochlea becomes an increasingly important and dominant factor.1–3 The role of the active stabilizers past 60° of knee flexion is controversial4–5.

Based on the above combination of factors that affect patellar stability, it is clear that patellofemoral instability has a multifactorial cause. The ability to make an individual analysis and treatment decision in everyday practice depends critically on our ability to analyze the individual risk factors and their contributions on a case-by-case basis.

The great majority of patellar dislocations occur at small degrees of knee flexion.

When the knee is near extension, the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) functions as the primary restraint to lateral patellar translation1, 6–8. Up to 95% of MPFL tears occur in the setting of a dislocation event9–11. It has been postulated, therefore, that reconstruction of the MPFL can restore ligamentous stability in the patellofemoral joint12–15.

2. Operating Technique

2.1 IndicationsReconstruction of the MPFL is indicated in patients with chronic recurrent dislocations of the patella. MPFL reconstruction can also be used in cases where multiple prior dislocations have already caused cartilage damage that in itself would contraindicate other procedures such as trochleoplasty or medialization of the tibial tuberosity, or in patients with concomitant rotational deformities that would require significant additional surgery16–18.

We believe that open epiphyseal plates, high-grade trochlear dysplasia, or a TTTG distance greater than 20 mm are limited indications for performing an MPFL reconstruction alone. It may be appropriate in these cases to select a different treatment or combine the MPFL reconstruction with another procedure.

Based on our experience, however, the majority of recurrent patellar dislocations can be successfully managed with an MPFL reconstruction, since most patients have moderate trochlear dysplasia with a normal TTTG distance and their dislocations occur predominantly near extension.

Various techniques for MPFL reconstruction have been described in recent years and have yielded good results17, 19–29. As the primary passive stabilizer, the MPFL is the only structure that medializes the patella at small flexion angles and also helps to stabilize the patella at higher degrees of flexion (20–45°).

1 Anatomy of the MPFL.

Adductor tubercle

Med. epicondyle

MCL

MPFL

Table 2: Indications for the MPFL reconstruction

We believe that an MPFL reconstruction is indicated for:

chronic recurrent dislocation with moderate trochlear dysplasia a torn or deficient MPFL salvage procedures in patients with cartilage damage or after failedprevious operations

adjunct for correction of other risk factors (e.g., may be combined with trochleoplasty)

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft6

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Thus, if trochlear dysplasia is present, the MPFL functions as a key stabilizer even at higher angles of knee flexion. Because the MPFL does not have isometric attachment sites on the pa-tella or femur, reconstruction of the ligament should be conform to the anatomy of those attachments1, 30.

The nonisometric ligament inserts anteriorly on the upper third of the medial patellar border and posteriorly on an area between the medial epicondyle and adductor tubercle of the femur (Fig. 1).

A nonanatomic reconstruction gives rise to unphysiologic loads in the patellofemoral joint, while reconstructing only one bundle on the patella may lead to increased patellar tilt and increased rotation7, 29, 31.

Many of the techniques previously described do not take into account the actual anatomy of the MPFL. If a tendon is transferred or transposed on a pedicle, then one of the attachments – patellar or femoral – will be nonanatomic, and it will be possible to reconstruct only one of the two ligament bundles1, 32. But almost all methods with free tendon grafts employ a “single-strand” technique in which the graft is attached at one point24, 25. Besides an anatomic reconstruction, stable fixation of the tendon graft is necessary to allow for early functional rehabilitation.

The operating technique presented here for anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL (Fig. 2) uses a gracilis tendon as the free tendon graft because the mean tensile strength of the MPFL is approximately 208 N, and the tensile strength of the gracilis tendon exceeds that value1, 18. The femoral end of the graft is anchored with a biodegradable interference screw (Mega Fix®, KARL STORZ Tuttlingen). On the patellar side, two biodegradable suture anchors (4.2-mm BioPlug, KARL STORZ Tuttlingen) provide for adequate stability.

2 Principle of the anatomic MPFL reconstruction.

3 The patient is positioned supine with the leg slightly flexed and external rotated.

2.2 PositioningWe prefer a simple supine position for the MPFL reconstruction, with a side support to aid arthroscopic examination. Before the leg is exsanguinated it is wrapped with an Esmarch bandage. The leg can then be positioned comfortably on the operating table in a position of slight flexion and external rotation (Fig. 3). The slightly flexed position is advantageous as it provides some stabilization of the patella by the trochlear groove.

7Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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4 Key landmarks are drawn on the skin (a). Arthroscopy of the patellofemoral compartment in trochlear dysplasia (b–e).

b

a

d e

c

2.3 ArthroscopyFirst, the key anatomic landmarks are palpated and marked on the skin (Fig. 4a). They include the patella, medial femoral epicondyle, and adductor tubercle. It is important to know the locations of the tibial tuberosity and patellar tendon for harvesting the graft and performing arthroscopy.

An anterolateral camera portal is created, and an arthroscope is introduced to check for cartilage damage and evaluate the morphology of the trochlea.

The arthroscopic survey begins in the lateral recess (Fig. 4b). It is common to find sheared-off cartilage fragments at that location. Attention is then turned to the lateral femoral condyle (Fig. 4c), where it is common to find a small contused area. The Gilquist position, in which the light cord points downward, is a good position for evaluating the lateral overhang of the patella relative to the margin of the lateral femoral condyle (Fig. 4d). The camera is then swung into the patellofemoral compartment to check for trochlear dysplasia and evaluate the width and pathology of the medial retinacular complex (Fig. 4e).

Next the rest of the knee joint is routinely evaluated to exclude any associated pathology. Particular attention is given to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), whose femoral attachment can be clearly inspected in the figure-four position. A small mirror can be used to assess the condition of the cartilage on the medial patellar facet. A switching stick is inserted, and the arthroscope sheath and scope are reintroduced from the medial side to evaluate local pathology.

5 The gracilis tendon is elevated from its bed with a tendon hook.

2.4 Harvesting the GraftWhen the diagnosis has been confirmed, the gracilis tendon is harvested from the ipsilateral side. The gracilis tendon makes a good graft for anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL because its tensile strength is somewhat higher than that of the native ligament. For harvesting the gracilis tendon, an anteromedial incision approximately 1.5–2 cm long is made parallel to the tibial margin approximately 5–10 mm distal to the tibial tuberosity.

A Langenbeck retractor is placed on the medial side of the incision and a small sharp hook on the lateral side in preparation for dissection of the sartorius fascia (Fig. 5). The prominent gracilis tendon is easily palpated with a curved forceps. The sartorius aponeurosis is incised with a small scalpel just below the prominent gracilis tendon, and the tendon is exposed. At this point the gracilis tendon can easily be mobilized from its bed with a tendon hook.

Its attachments are sharply divided with a scissors, initially leaving the distal insertion intact. Next the gracilis tendon is detached proximally from its muscle belly with an open tendon stripper and then sharply released from the pes anserinus. The sartorius fascia should be closed with 3 or 4 absorbable interrupted sutures to keep the donor defect as small as possible.

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft8

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2.5 Graft PreparationThe graft should have a usable length of at least 18–20 cm, depending on patient size. The gracilis tendon is placed on a tendon board and freed of muscular tissue with a sharp periosteal elevator. After the tendon has been mounted on the board and clamped at each end, all residual adherent tissues are sharply removed. The distal end of the graft is whipstitched with a No. 2 polyester suture over a length of approximately 2 cm (Fig. 6). The proximal end is initially left unsutured. Finally the tendon is wrapped in a wrung-out, slightly moist compress until reimplantation.

6 Preparation of the gracilis tendon on a tendon board: suturing the distal end of the graft.

7 Small incisions are made for the MPFL reconstruction, with landmarks drawn on the skin.

8 A bony groove approximately 1.5 cm long is cut in the superomedial patellar border with a fine rongeur (a, b).

a b

2.6 Patellar Attachment Physiologic attachment of the graft to the patella begins by making an approximately 2-cm-long incision from the supero-medial aspect of the patella to the center of the medial patellar border. The femoral incision can also be preplaced at this time by palpating the medial femoral epicondyle. The medial patellar border and the anterior and posterior patellar boundaries can be identified by palpation (Fig. 7).

The area where the patellofemoral ligament inserts on the patella is sharply exposed with a scalpel, and a bony groove approximately 1.5–2 cm long is made along the medial aspect of the patella with a fine rongeur (Figs. 8a, b). The groove must be deep enough that the gracilis tendon can be completely embedded within it.

9Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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The next step is to separate the second and third anatomic layers of the MPFL33 and dissect back to the medial epicondyle and adductor tubercle with a scissors (Fig. 9). Care is taken not to perforate the joint capsule so that intra-articular proprioception remains intact. When the graft bed has been developed, a small curved clamp is used to place a shuttle suture for passing the graft through the plane between the dissected layers.

Two absorbable suture anchors (4.2-mm BioPlug anchors) are used to attach the gracilis tendon to the patella. First, two holes are drilled at the proximal and distal ends of the notch previously cut in the patella. The laser marking on the drill bit should be watched closely to ensure that the anchors are not placed too deeply (Fig. 10a). Also, the holes should be drilled tangential to the patella so that the anchor tips will not pierce the anterior or posterior patellar surface. Next the two BioPlug suture anchors, each threaded with a No. 2 nonabsorbable braided polyester suture, are driven into the proximal and distal drill holes in the bony notch, making certain that the anchor eyelets are at a 45° angle to the bony groove (Figs. 10b, c). The anchors are driven into place with gentle hammer taps. It is essential that the holes and anchors be placed at the correct angle to ensure that the implants will have maximum pull-out strength. When the suture anchors have been inserted, they are manually tested for stability. The polyester sutures should glide freely through the eyelets.

9 The second and third medial patellofemoral layers of the MPFL are dissected to form a graft bed.

b

10 Patellar attachment: Two holes are drilled (a), and a 4.2-mm BioPlug anchor is inserted at the proximal and distal ends of the bony groove in the patella (b). KARL STORZ BioPlug anchor, 4.2 mm (c).

a c

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft10

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11 Patellar attachment: Graft length is assessed, and the gracilis tendon graft is tied into place.

After graft length is assessed, the gracilis tendon is seated into the bony groove, held under tension, and tied into place (Fig. 11). An anatomical forceps may be helpful in positioning the graft. Care is taken that the tendon is completely embedded in the bony groove. The fixation is checked for stability, and the suture ends are trimmed.

2.7 Femoral Attachment The graft is pulled through the dissected tunnel with the preplaced shuttle suture (Fig. 12a), making sure that the limbs of the graft do not twist around each other. The distal limb is stretched to its full length with a small clamp, shortened as needed, and whipstitched with nonabsorbable polyester suture material (Fig. 12b). The two ends of the graft are tied together to form equal-length limbs, creating a triangular construct with a proximal and distal bundle.

To create an anatomic attachment for the graft, the medial epicondyle and adductor tubercle are palpated and dissected. Then a guidewire with eyelet is drilled in posteriorly between those two points. The wire should be drilled upward and forward so that it does not inadvertently perforate the notch. A small clamp is then placed to mark the insertion point of the guidewire (Fig. 13).

13 The femoral attachment site is marked with a guidewire and small clamp under fluoroscopic control.

12 The graft is passed through the dissected plane (a). Its distal limb is shortened and whipstitched (b).

a b

A precise anatomic insertion of the MPFL is essential for a good outcome. Incorrect placement can significantly increase the pressure on the medial patellar facet leading to a medial pain syndrome or painful flexion deficit31.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that the placement and drilling direction of the wire be checked intraoperatively, and corrected as needed, by fluoroscopic imaging in a true lateral projection of the distal femur (Fig. 13).

11Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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We know from a previous cadaver study that the radiographic femoral insertion point, when viewed in a true lateral projection (with both posterior condyles precisely superimposed), is located anterior to an imaginary line in continuity with the posterior cortex, between the proximal origin of the medial epicondyle and the most posterior point of Blumensaat’s line (Figs. 14a–d) 34–35.

2.8 Graft Passage and FixationThe correctly placed eyelet wire is brought out the lateral side of the femur. At this time the graft length is checked again so that the correct screw length can be determined. The screw should not be longer than the graft length within the bone tunnel. The tunnel is made by overdrilling the wire to the opposite cortex with a cannulated reamer. The tunnel diameter should be approximately 1 mm larger than the graft diameter. The tunnel is debrided of surrounding tissue to ensure problem-free passage of the graft. Finally the lead sutures from the graft are threaded through the tunnel with the eyelet wire and brought out the lateral side, and the graft is pulled into the femoral tunnel. Care should be taken that the proximal and distal leads do not twist around each other. To avoid irritation, the graft should be flush with the bone on the medial side.

The knee is now flexed to approximately 20–30°. This is the flexion angle at which the MPFL is under greatest tension1. The graft is pulled from the lateral side until the lateral border of the patella is even with the margin of the lateral femoral condyle (Fig. 15a).

The graft is now fixed in that position with a bioabsorbable Mega Fix® interference screw. This is done by first rechecking the tunnel position with the screwdriver to make sure that the screw is introduced in the same direction. Graft tension is checked by palpating the lateral edge of the patella with the finger (Fig. 15b).

15 The graft is pulled into position (a) and its tension checked with the knee in slight flexion (20–30°) while the patellar border is palpated (b).

a b

a b

14 Correct position of the femoral attachment on a lateral radiograph (a, b). The fluoroscopic view should be a true lateral projection of

the knee (c). Ap-view in same case (d).

c d

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft12

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When driving the screw into place, make sure that the graft does not twist around the screw shank. Also, the screw should be inserted beneath bone level to prevent local irritation, especially in thin patients. This requires adequate exposure of the femoral insertion site (Fig. 16).

Before the screwdriver is removed, the knee should be taken through a full range of motion to assess patellar tracking. If necessary, graft tension can still be adjusted at this stage. If the graft is correctly positioned, the patella should track along the center of the trochlea and should still be mobile in full extension. Any lateral overhang should be corrected.

Now the tissue layers about the patella are reapproximated (Fig. 17). This is particularly important in thin patients to prevent impingement of the tendon or polyester knots on the medial patellar border. If necessary, the fixation can be reinforced by placing proximal and distal all-layer sutures through the gracilis tendon.

2.9 Postoperative CareThe knee is immobilized in a 0° splint for the first week after surgery. The splint is then replaced by a functional brace with a lateral patellar pad. The brace is set to a 60° flexion limit for 2 weeks and a 90° limit for an additional 3 weeks. Partial weight-bearing at 15–30 kg on forearm crutches is maintained for the first 3 postoperative weeks.

Quadriceps tensioning exercises should be started in the immediate postoperative period. The range of flexion is increased as the brace allows. Normal activity is permitted at 3 months, provided there is no longer a quadriceps deficit and full range of motion has been achieved. Contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 months. Generally, all patients regain a full range of motion by 4–6 weeks (Fig. 18). We have not observed a significant proprioceptive deficit in our patients compared with traditional operative techniques. This results in less thigh muscle atrophy than in other reconstructive procedures (e.g., ACL reconstruction) and provides an early capacity for quadriceps recruitment, often in the immediate postoperative period or during the first few days. This may be because the procedure is minimally invasive and extra-articular, the intraarticular situation remaines without irritation.

16 The femoral interference screw (Mega Fix®, KARL STORZ, Tuttlingen) is driven into place.

17 The medial tissue layers are reapproximated to prevent graft impingement (a). Postoperative appearance (b).

ba

18 Illustrative case at 1 week postoperatively. Full range of motion can usually be achieved within a short time.

13Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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3. Variants

3.1 Open Epiphyseal PlatesPatellofemoral instability in children with open growth plates implicates a special situation that may contraindicate bone-altering surgery. In children who have had an initial dislo-cation, primary repair of the medial retinaculum/MPFL may be appropriate in the acute stage, depending on associated pathology (intra-articular loose bodies), existing risk factors, and the precise rupture site, as this option will not alter the epiphyseal plates. As long as the repair addresses the exact rupture site, low redislocation rates can be achieved in patients with minimal trochlear dysplasia. But if a higher grade of troch-lear dysplasia is present, the redislocation rate rises significantly and there is only a relative indication for performing a repair36.

In the MPFL reconstruction, the femoral insertion is located precisely in the epiphyseal plate area of the distal femur. Consequently, a tradeoff must be made between stabilizing the patella and sparing the growth plates. Patellar graft fixation is also a frequent problem in children, since the patella is often quite small and cartilaginous and cannot withstand drilling.

19 Radiograph illustrating faulty graft placement (red). Green: correct placement.

Other causes are anchor penetration into the joint (Fig. 20), MPFL reconstruction in patients with markedly present patello-femoral osteoarthritis, and high-grade underlying trochlear dysplasia.

These errors can be avoided by the conscientious use of inra-operative fluoroscopy and by careful patient selection.

20 Illustrative case: intra-articular perforation of an anchor (retropatellar view) and its removal.

3.3 RevisionsAs growing numbers of MPFL reconstructions have been performed in recent years owing to the highly promising results, the number of revisions has also been increasing. Revisions are often performed to relieve medial pain syndrome due to faulty placement of the femoral graft attachment (Fig. 19).

If an MPFL reconstruction is still elected, the tendon graft can be fixed to the periosteum by suture in many cases. Depending on local anatomy, it may even be possible to insert two small suture anchors right next to the growth plate (under fluoro-scopic control!). The indications for an MPFL reconstruction should be carefully considered in this age group, however.

3.2 Mixed PathologiesAn MPFL reconstruction alone is often inadequate in patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia, rotational deformities, massive patella alta, a lateral contracture, or an abnormally large TTTG distance (> 20 mm). The dominant pathology in these cases should be addressed (trochleoplasty, osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity, etc.) following a detailed analysis of risk factors.

Nevertheless, it may still be necessary to reconstruct the MPFL as an adjunct to trochleoplasty, for example, since the MPFL is often deficient in the presence of trochlear dysplasia.

Note: An analysis of individual risk factors and a thorough clinical examination are an essential prelude to patient selection!

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft14

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21. CHASSAING V, TREMOULET J. [Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with gracilis autograft for patellar instability]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 2005 Jun;91(4):335–40.

22. DAVIES AP, COSTA ML, SHEPSTONE L, GLASGOW MM, DONELL S. The sulcus angle and malalignment of the extensor mechanism of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000 Nov;82(8):1162–6.

23. DEIE M, OCHI M, SUMEN Y, YASUMOTO M, KOBAYASHI K, KIMURA H. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament for the treatment of habitual or recurrent dislocation of the patella in children. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2003 Aug;85(6):887–90.

24. DREZ D, JR., EDWARDS TB, WILLIAMS CS. Results of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of patellar dislocation. Arthroscopy. 2001 Mar;17(3):298–306.

25. ELLERA GOMES JL, STIGLER MARCZYK LR, CESAR DE CESAR P, JUNGBLUT CF. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft for chronic patellar instability: a follow-up study. Arthroscopy. 2004 Feb;20(2):147–51.

26. GOMES JL. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with half width (hemi tendon) semitendinosus graft. Orthopedics. 2008 Apr;31(4):322–6.

27. NOMURA E, INOUE M. Surgical technique and rationale for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation. Arthroscopy. 2003 May–Jun;19(5):E47.

28. OSTERMEIER S, STUKENBORG-COLSMAN C, HURSCHLER C, WIRTH CJ. In vitro investigation of the effect of medial patello-femoral ligament reconstruction and medial tibial tuberosity trans-fer on lateral patellar stability. Arthroscopy. 2006 Mar;22(3):308–19.

29. STEENSEN RN, DOPIRAK RM, MCDONALD WG, 3RD. The anatomy and isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament: implications for reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2004 Sep;32(6):1509–13.

30. SMIRK C, MORRIS H. The anatomy and reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee. 2003 Sep;10(3):221–7.

31. ELIAS JJ, COSGAREA AJ. Technical errors during medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction could overload medial patellofemoral cartilage: a computational analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2006 Sep;34(9):1478–85.

32. KANG HJ, WANG F, CHEN BC, SU YL, ZHANG ZC, YAN CB. Functional bundles of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010 Nov;18(11):1511–6.

33. WARREN LA, MARSHALL JL, GIRGIS F. The prime static stabilizer of the medical side of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1974 Jun;56(4):665–74.

34. REDFERN J, KAMATH G, BURKS R. Anatomical confirmation of the use of radiographic landmarks in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2010 Feb;38(2):293–7.

35. SCHOTTLE PB, SCHMELING A, ROSENSTIEL N, WEILER A. Radiographic landmarks for femoral tunnel placement in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2007 May;35(5):801–4.

36. SCHOTTLE PB, SCHEFFLER SU, SCHWARCK A, WEILER A. Arthroscopic medial retinacular repair after patellar dislocation with and without underlying trochlear dysplasia: a preliminary report. Arthroscopy. 2006 Nov;22(11):1192–8.

37. SCHMELING A. Aktuelle Aspekte der patellofemoralen Instabilität. Arthroskopie Aktuell. 2010 Ausgabe 23, Stiftung zur Förderung der Arthroskopie, Tuttlingen.

4. References1. AMIS AA, FIRER P, MOUNTNEY J, SENAVONGSE W, THOMAS NP.

Anatomy and biomechanics of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee. 2003 Sep;10(3):215–20.

2. GOODFELLOW J, HUNGERFORD DS, ZINDEL M. Patello- femoral joint mechanics and pathology. 1. Functional anatomy of the patello-femoral joint. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1976 Aug;58(3):287–90.

3. GRELSAMER RP, KLEIN JR. The biomechanics of the patellofemo-ral joint. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Nov;28(5):286–98.

4. FARAHMAND F, SENAVONGSE W, AMIS AA. Quantitative study of the quadriceps muscles and trochlear groove geometry related to instability of the patellofemoral joint. J Orthop Res. 1998 Jan;16(1):136–43.

5. FARAHMAND F, TAHMASBI MN, AMIS AA. Lateral force-displace-ment behaviour of the human patella and its variation with knee flexion – a biomechanical study in vitro. J Biomech. 1998 Dec;31(12):1147–52.

6. CONLAN T, GARTH WP, JR., LEMONS JE. Evaluation of the medial soft-tissue restraints of the extensor mechanism of the knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993 May;75(5):682–93.

7. DESIO SM, BURKS RT, BACHUS KN. Soft tissue restraints to lateral patellar translation in the human knee. Am J Sports Med. 1998 Jan–Feb;26(1):59–65.

8. PANAGIOTOPOULOS E, STRZELCZYK P, HERRMANN M, SCUDERI G. Cadaveric study on static medial patellar stabilizers: the dynamizing role of the vastus medialis obliquus on medial patellofemoral ligament. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006 Jan;14(1):7–12.

9. ELIAS DA, WHITE LM, FITHIAN DC. Acute lateral patellar dislocation at MR imaging: injury patterns of medial patellar soft-tissue restraints and osteochondral injuries of the infero medial patella. Radiology. 2002 Dec;225(3):736–43.

10. SALLAY PI, POGGI J, SPEER KP, GARRETT WE. Acute dislocation of the patella. A correlative pathoanatomic study. Am J Sports Med. 1996 Jan–Feb;24(1):52–60.

11. SANDERS TG, MORRISON WB, SINGLETON BA, MILLER MD, CORNUM KG. Medial patellofemoral ligament injury following acute transient dislocation of the patella: MR findings with surgical correlation in 14 patients. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2001 Nov–Dec;25(6):957–62.

12. DAVIES AP, VINCE AS, SHEPSTONE L, DONELL ST, GLASGOW MM. The radiologic prevalence of patello femoral osteoarthritis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002 Sep(402):206–12.

13. HAUTAMAA PV, FITHIAN DC, KAUFMAN KR, DANIEL DM, POHLMEYER AM. Medial soft tissue restraints in lateral patellar instability and repair. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1998 Apr(349):174–82.

14. NOMURA E, HORIUCHI Y, KIHARA M. A mid-term follow-up of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an artificial ligament for recurrent patellar dislocation. Knee. 2000 Dec 1;7(4):211–5.

15. SANDMEIER RH, BURKS RT, BACHUS KN, BILLINGS A. The effect of reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament on patellar tracking. Am J Sports Med. 2000 May–Jun;28(3):345–9.

16. SCHOETTLE PB, WERNER CM, ROMERO J. Reconstruc tion of the medial patellofemoral ligament for painful patellar subluxation in distal torsional malalignment: a case report. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2005 Nov;125(9):644–8.

17. SCHOTTLE PB, FUCENTESE SF, ROMERO J. Clinical and radio-logical outcome of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with a semitendinosus autograft for patella instability. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2005 Oct;13(7):516–21.

18. SCHOTTLE PB, ROMERO J, SCHMELING A, WEILER A. Technical note: anatomical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a free gracilis autograft. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2008 May;128(5):479–84.

19. ARENDT EA, FITHIAN DC, COHEN E. Current concepts of lateral patella dislocation. Clin Sports Med. 2002 Jul;21(3):499–519.

20. AVIKAINEN VJ, NIKKU RK, SEPPANEN-LEHMONEN TK. Adductor magnus tenodesis for patellar dislocation. Technique and preliminary results. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1993 Dec(297):12–6.

15Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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Tendon Harvesting and Preparation

28729AC Open Tendon Stripper, graduated, diameter 7.5 mm, length 30 cm

28729SH Tendon Hook

28729AC

28729SB Tendon Board, including FLIPPTACK® Retainer 28729SC

28729SB

213008 PLESTER Elevator, width 8 mm, length 18 cm

213008

It is recommended to check the suitability of the product for the intended procedure prior to use.

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft16

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28729SD

28729SD Tendon Thickness Tester, for determination of tendon thickness size 4–7 mm at intervals of 0.5 mm

28729P Tissue Forceps, 1 x 2 teeth, medium, distal curved to left, length 14.5 cm

28729P

Tendon Harvesting and Preparation

17Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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Suture Anchoring System BioPlug

2870411BP BioPlug, bioresorbable suture anchor, diameter 4.2 mm, length 11 mm, sterile, for single use, for use with Inserter 28179TI or 28179KI

28179KB

28179KB Drill, for preparation of the tunnel for BioPlug 2870411BP, with lasermarking for the depth of the drill hole, diameter 3.7 mm, length 15 cm

28179KI Inserter, with lateral thread guide and thread clip at the handle, working length 9 cm, for use with BioPlug 2870411BP

28179KI

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft18

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Bone Drill

28729BA–BH

28729BA Bone Drill, cannulated, diameter 4.5 mm, for use with Drilling Wire 28729D and Larding Wire 28729E

28729BB Same, diameter 5 mm28729BI Same, diameter 5.5 mm28729BC Same, diameter 6 mm28729BK Same, diameter 6.5 mm28729BD Same, diameter 7 mm28729BL Same, diameter 7.5 mm28729BE Same, diameter 8 mm28729BM Same, diameter 8.5 mm28729BF Same, diameter 9 mm28729BN Same, diameter 9.5 mm28729BG Same, diameter 10 mm28729BO Same, diameter 10.5 mm28729BH Same, diameter 11 mm

19Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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Mega Fix® B

Mega Fix® P

2870619B Mega Fix® B, bioresorbable interference screw, diameter 6 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870623B Same, length 23 mm

2870719B Mega Fix® B, bioresorbable interference screw, diameter 7 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870819B Mega Fix® B, bioresorbable interference screw, diameter 8 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870923B Mega Fix® B, bioresorbable interference screw, diameter 9 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2870928B Same, length 28 mm

2870723B Same, length 23 mm2870728B Same, length 28 mm

2870823B Same, length 23 mm2870828B Same, length 28 mm

2870823P Mega Fix® P, bioresorbable interference screw, perforated, diameter 8 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2870828P Same, length 28 mm

2870923P Mega Fix® P, bioresorbable interference screw, perforated, diameter 9 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2870928P Same, length 28 mm2870935P Same, length 35 mm

2871028P Mega Fix® P, bioresorbable interference screw, perforated, diameter 10 mm, length 28 mm, sterile

2871035P Same, length 35 mm

2871135P Mega Fix® P, bioresorbable interference screw, perforated, diameter 11 mm, length 35 mm, sterile

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft20

Page 21: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

Mega Fix® C

Mega Fix® CP

2870823CP Mega Fix® CP, bioresorbable composite interference screw, perforated, diameter 8 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2870828CP Same, length 28 mm

2870928CP Same, length 28 mm2870935CP Same, length 35 mm

2871035CP Same, length 35 mm

2870923CP Mega Fix® CP, bioresorbable composite interference screw, perforated, diameter 9 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2871028CP Mega Fix® CP, bioresorbable composite interference screw, perforated, diameter 10 mm, length 28 mm, sterile

2871135CP Mega Fix® CP, bioresorbable composite interference screw, perforated, diameter 11 mm, length 35 mm, sterile

2870728C Same, length 28 mm

2870819C Mega Fix® C, bioresorbable composite interference screw, diameter 8 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870623C Same, length 23 mm

2870719C Mega Fix® C, bioresorbable composite interference screw, diameter 7 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870923C Mega Fix® C, bioresorbable composite interference screw, diameter 9 mm, length 23 mm, sterile

2870723C Same, length 23 mm

2870828C Same, length 28 mm

2870928C Same, length 28 mm

2870619C Mega Fix® C, bioresorbable composite interference screw, diameter 6 mm, length 19 mm, sterile

2870823C Same, length 23 mm

21Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

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Screwdriver

28789SK CrossDrive® Screwdriver, cannulated, size 8 – 11, for use with bioresorbable Mega Fix® screws diameter 8 – 11 mm and Nitinol Guide Wires 28789GW/KW

28770SK CrossDrive® Screwdriver, cannulated, size 7, for use with bioresorbable Mega Fix® screws diameter 7 mm and Nitinol Guide Wires 28789GW/KW

28760SK CrossDrive® Screwdriver, cannulated, size 6, for use with bioresorbable Mega Fix® screws diameter 6 mm and Nitinol Guide Wires 28789GW/KW

28789SK

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft22

Page 23: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

Notes:

23Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

Page 24: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

Notes:

Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft24

Page 25: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

Notes:

25Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament with a Free Gracilis Tendon Graft

Page 26: Operating Technique - Karl Storz SE · 2020-06-15 · Operating Technique: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial ... As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge,

WITH COMPLIMENTS OF

KARL STORZ –– ENDOSKOPE