When is MPFL reconstruction recommended for patellar dislocation?

The medial patellofemoral ligament helps guide the kneecap and resist movement toward the outside of the knee. A dislocation can stretch or tear it. Reconstruction uses a graft to recreate that restraint, but the surgeon also checks kneecap alignment, bone shape, cartilage injury, and leg alignment. Those factors can change the operation plan. A first dislocation may instead be managed with reduction, protection, and physiotherapy when the knee is stable enough for that approach.

After a dislocation, obtain an orthopaedic assessment to check for fracture, cartilage damage, and ligament injury. Follow the prescribed brace and exercise plan, and avoid pivoting or contact sport until strength and control return. If the kneecap repeatedly shifts, gives way, or causes apprehension during ordinary movement, tell your clinician because recurrence and function help guide the discussion.

Seek urgent assessment if the kneecap remains out of place, the knee becomes visibly deformed, swelling rises quickly, or you cannot bear weight. Numbness, a cold foot, or severe pain after the injury also needs immediate attention. Do not try to force the kneecap back yourself.

Ask whether the MPFL is torn, whether bone or cartilage factors also need treatment, what rehabilitation milestones are expected, when driving or sport may resume, and how instability will be tested after recovery.