Arthrex MPFL reconstruction: what to know

The operation rebuilds the soft-tissue restraint on the inner side of the kneecap to improve stability after patellar dislocation or recurrent instability. The exact graft, fixation method, and any additional procedure depend on the knee anatomy and the surgeon's plan, not the brand name alone.

The medial patellofemoral ligament helps resist the kneecap moving too far toward the outside of the knee. Reconstruction uses a graft to recreate that restraint and attaches it near the kneecap and thigh bone. Correct graft position and tension are important because the kneecap still needs to track smoothly as the knee bends.

An assessment may include examination and imaging to identify cartilage injury, limb alignment, kneecap height, groove shape, and other contributors to instability. MPFL reconstruction may be performed alone, but some anatomical problems can change the surgical plan.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous operations, skin problems, and any illness. Confirm which graft and fixation devices are planned, whether another procedure may be added, and the instructions for eating, drinking, washing, and medication on the day of surgery.

Afterward, follow the surgeon's specific rules for the brace, crutches, weight bearing, wound care, and knee movement. Rehabilitation usually progresses through swelling control, safe range of motion, muscle activation, strength, balance, and task-specific training. Advancement should follow knee control and healing milestones rather than comparison with someone else's timetable.

Obtain urgent medical advice for increasing wound redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain not controlled by the agreed plan, or swelling that is rapidly increasing. New calf pain or swelling also needs prompt assessment.

Call local emergency services for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or coughing blood. Seek immediate help as well if the foot becomes cold, pale, blue, increasingly numb, or difficult to move.

Ask what is driving the instability, why reconstruction is proposed, which graft and fixation method are planned, and whether alignment or cartilage findings alter the operation. Clarify the brace and weight-bearing plan, physiotherapy milestones, expected limits on work or driving, and whom to contact if recovery changes course.