Reconstruction of medial patello-femoral ligament: Comparison of two surgical techniques. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Criscenti, G.; De Maria, C.; Sebastiani, E.; Tei, M.; Placella, G.; Speziali, A.; Vozzi, G.; Cerulli, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials. Volume 59(2016)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) -- Ligament biomechanics -- Structural properties -- Ligament reconstruction -- Surgical techniques; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6161

Abstract

Abstract: The medial patello-femoral ligament is considered the most important passive patellar stabilizer and its proper functionality is essential for the patello-femoral joint stability. In this work, 18 human knees were randomly divided into two groups and reconstructed through two different surgical techniques: the "Through tunnel tendon" and the "Double converging tunnel" reconstructions. Subsequently, the samples were mechanically tested to evaluate the structural properties of reconstructed femur-MPFL-Patella complex (rFMPC). Particular attention was given to maintain the anatomical orientation between the patella and the graft. Both procedures showed lower stiffness and higher ultimate strain and absorbed energy compared to the native MPFL, but the advantages of the double converging tunnel technique are related to the restoration of the native MPFL sail-shape, to a better stress distribution on the patella, to the use of a single interference screw as fixation device and to the simplicity, rapidity and cost-effectivity of the surgical procedure. The evaluation of the structural properties of rMPFL is fundamental to evaluate the adequacy of the different techniques to restore the physiological structural properties of the native MPFL.