Clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using FiberTape and knotless SwiveLock anchors.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to prospectively investigate the clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using polyester high-strength suture tape with knotless anchors.

METHOD: Forty-three patients (65 knees) were followed for at least 1 year postoperatively, with 27 patients (43 knees) followed for 2 years postoperatively. All patients underwent MPFL reconstruction using polyester high-strength suture tape (FiberTape®; Arthrex) with knotless anchors (SwiveLock®; Arthrex). Repeated dislocation and residual patellar apprehension signs were recorded, and congruence and tilting angles were measured. Changes in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) scores and their associations with the preoperative tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance were analyzed.

RESULTS: No repeat dislocations (0%) were observed. One (2.4%) residual positive patellar apprehension sign was noted. The mean tilting angle decreased from 24.8° to 10.7° (P < 0.001), and the mean congruence angle decreased from 24.9° to 4.3° (P < 0.001). At 2 years follow up, all KOOS subscales had improved: pain (92.0 ± 12.9), symptoms (90.2 ± 11.9), activities of daily living (95.7 ± 7.3), sports activity (85.7 ± 16.9), quality of life (87.7 ± 12.9), and patellofemoral (89.0 ± 9.6) outcomes. KOOS subscale scores improved regardless of the preoperative TT-TG distance (21.1 ± 3.5 mm; range, 13.8-29.9 mm).

CONCLUSIONS: MPFL reconstruction using FiberTape and knotless SwiveLock anchors was performed without sacrificing autologous tissue. No recurrent patellar dislocation was observed during the 2-year follow up period. All KOOS subscale scores improved using FiberTape and SwiveLock anchors in MPFL reconstruction.