MPFL Surgery

MPFL Surgery in Indore (Medial Patellofemoral Ligament)

The medial patellofemoral ligament, a broad structure that is situated on the inside of the knee joint and connects the kneecap (patella) to the thigh bone (femur). The primary purpose of the MPFL is mainly to provide stability to the kneecap and also it provides restraint to any movement toward the outside of the knee. MPFL also helps in keeping the kneecap in proper position, as the knee bends and straightens so that it tracks well during knee movements.

Symptoms of MPFL

Some of the most common signs or the symptoms of an MPFL injury may include as:

  • Feeling the knee “giving way” or “buckling” during activity.
  • A sort of feeling that the kneecap is sliding out to the side during knee movement.
  • Swelling of the knee following activity.
  • Restricted joint movement (range of motion).
  • Pain when moving the joint.
  • Tenderness to touch along the affected joint.
  • Pain, stiffness, or “locking,” after sitting with the knee bent or straight for a prolonged period of time.

Causes and risks

These injuries generally arise during a forceful traumatic kneecap dislocation. Some of the imaging techniques, such as x-rays or an MRI, are generally required to gain a more thorough and objective evaluation of all of the structures of the knee joint. If the injuries are severe, they may also require a surgery.

Rehabilitation

A four phase progression of rehabilitation which slowly and gradually allows an increase in the range of motion and quadriceps activation, in order to allow a full return to prior activity level. These phases are listed as under:

Protective Phase I (day 1 to week 6) – Objectives for this initial phase following reconstruction generally includes of protecting the repair, decreasing the pain and inflammation, restoration of knee range motion and arthro-kinematics, preventing hypo-mobility, preventing reflex inhibition, prevention of the negative effects of immobilization, promoting dynamic stability,and secondary muscle atrophy, developing neuromuscular control of the knee and maintaining core stability.

Moderate Protective Phase II (weeks 7-12) – Goals for the moderate protection phase includes of balancing and maintaining the full range of motion, maintaining the repairs and the gradual initiation of functional activities. During this phase, most restrictions have been aroused and lifted. Well establishment of Range of motion at this time. If not well established, emphasis on motion should take precedence so as to not end up with an arthro-fibrotic knee. To normalize the arthrokinematics of knee flexion and extension, higher grade mobilizations and gentle overpressure to end ranges should be instituted.

Minimum Protection Phase (weeks 13-16) – It has the shortest time frame that generally lasts from 13 to 16 weeks. The primary goals of this phase are to gradually return the athlete to functional activities, n short back to normal.

Return to activity (weeks 17-21+) – The Goals and the objectives for the return to activity phase includes in the progression of functional activities and full return to all prior sports or recreational activities. In this goal, mainly the athlete is challenged at even higher levels of lower leg stressors that will determine if they are able to return to their prior sporting activities or not.