Bioabsorbable anchors for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Acute dislocation of the patella is a very common injury of the knee. In more than 90% of the cases the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is injured. Reconstruction of the MPFL has become a popular soft tissue procedure, which reduces hospitalization and the rehabilitation period. Bioabsorbable materials, in form of screws and anchors are ideal for soft fixation to bones in orthopedics. We would like to present our experience and short-Term results after MPFL reconstruction with semitendinous autograft and bioabsorbable fixation devices. 10 patients were involved in this study with PF joint instability, which underwent to MPFL reconstruction. In order to evaluate the functional outcome of the procedure we applied the TegnerLysholm scoring system before and after 3 months of surgery. MPFL reconstruction significantly improved the functionality of the PF joint. Gender distribution of the studied group was: 7 female with an average age of 25 ± 5,03 SD and 3 male patients with an average age of 29 ±1 SD. The key for the success in MPFL reconstruction is the positioning of the femoral tunnel, followed by an isometric tensioning of the graft. Bioabsorbable materials reduce inflammatory, and foreign body response facilitating biointegration of the autograft. © 2017 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.