Outcomes of MPFL Reconstruction Utilizing a Quadriceps Turndown Technique in the Adolescent/Pediatric Population

Recurrent instability following a lateral patellar dislocation is a common indication for surgical intervention. Several surgical procedures are described in the literature to address recurrent patellar instability. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction utilizing the quadriceps turndown technique attempts to restore medial stability. Results of the quadriceps turndown technique have previously only been reported in adult populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes following a quadriceps turndown MPFL reconstruction in the pediatric and adolescent population.Records of all patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps turndown technique between 2011 and 2018 were reviewed for demographics, risk factors, complications, mechanism of injury, and concomitant procedures. Return to activities of daily living (ADLs), return to presurgery level of sport, length of bracing, and recurrent instability were assessed with the administration of the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Score. All analyses were completed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.Thirty-six knees [14 female (39%), 22 male (61%)] from 34 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The average follow-up length was 35.9±15.2 months. The average age was 16.3±1.8 years at the time of surgery. The average time for resumption of ADLs was 8.1±6.0 weeks after surgery. Ninety-four percent of patients returned to preinjury level of sport at an average of 23.6±12.0 weeks after surgery. Mean Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Score was 90.7±10.3. Female patients (P<0.001) reported significantly lower Kujala scores. Three patients (8%) experienced recurrent instability during ADLs and an additional 4 (11%) reported subjective feelings of instability only during sport or elevated activity. One knee required a return to the operating room for irrigation and debridement due to infection.This study demonstrates that the quadriceps turndown technique for MPFL reconstruction is a safe and effective procedure for the management of recurrent patellar instability in pediatric and adolescent patients.Level III-therapeutic.