The Use of Synthetic Graft for MPFL Reconstruction Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

(1) Background: Acute patella dislocation (APD) is a prevalent knee injury, with rates between 5.8-77.8 per 100,000. APD often results in repeat lateral patella dislocations due to the instability of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Non-operative treatments have a 50% recurrence rate. While autologous grafting for MPFL has been favored, surgeons are now exploring synthetic grafts. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of synthetic grafts in MPFL reconstruction surgeries for repeated patellar dislocations; (2) Methods: Our research was based on a thorough search from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence Healthcare Databases, using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score for quality assessment; (3) Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 284 patients and 230 knees were included. Seventy-five percent of patients were graded to have excellent-good clinical outcomes using the Crosby and Insall Grading System. International Knee Documentation Committee score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores showed 59% and 60% post-operative improvement, respectively; (4) Conclusions: All studies showed improvement in post-operative functional outcomes and report no serious adverse events. The 6 mm, LARS (Orthomedic Ltd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC, Canada) proved to have the most improvement in post-operative outcomes when used as a double bundle graft.

Keywords: MPFL reconstruction; acute patella dislocation; medial patellofemoral ligament; synthetic graft.

Figure 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart.