What should you know about MPFL reconstruction?

The medial patellofemoral ligament, or MPFL, helps guide the kneecap and resist movement toward the outside of the knee. It can be stretched or torn during a kneecap dislocation. Reconstruction uses a tendon graft to create a new stabilising ligament, with fixation near the kneecap and thigh bone. The operation may be considered when instability continues or when the injury pattern makes extra support appropriate. A [Patellar Dislocation](/conditions/patellar-dislocation/) can cause swelling, apprehension, and difficulty trusting the knee. The treatment overview is available at [MPFL Reconstruction](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/mpfl-reconstruction/).

Before surgery, discuss medicines, previous knee operations, allergies, and your home setup. Afterward, follow the surgeon’s limits on weight-bearing, brace use, and knee bending. Use crutches or other support as instructed, keep the wound protected, and begin prescribed exercises rather than testing the knee with twisting or jumping. Rehabilitation usually progresses from swelling control and quadriceps activation to walking control, strength, balance, and sport-specific work. The pace depends on the procedure and the knee’s response.

Contact the surgical team for increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, worsening calf pain, or swelling that is not settling. Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a cold or numb foot, or severe uncontrolled pain. A new fall, a locking knee, or a sudden giving-way episode also deserves prompt review.

Ask why reconstruction is recommended, whether other alignment problems need treatment, what graft and fixation will be used, how long a brace is expected, and which milestones guide driving, work, exercise, and sport.