Biomechanical Analysis of Tibial Tuberosity Medialization and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

John J. Elias, Bradley W. Smith, Blake T. Daney

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biomechanical studies are commonly performed to evaluate the influence of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibial tuberosity medialization on patellar tracking and patellofemoral contact pressures. The most common method is in vitro simulation of knee function, but computational simulation of knee function and computational reconstruction of in vivo motion can also be utilized. The current review of the biomechanical literature indicates that MPFL reconstruction and tibial tuberosity medialization reduce lateral patellar tracking. Decreased lateral patellofemoral contact pressures have also been noted. For MPFL reconstruction, the most commonly noted biomechanical concerns are graft overtensioning and nonanatomic attachment on the femur leading to overconstraint of the patella and elevated medial contact pressures. For tuberosity medialization, the influence of altered tibiofemoral kinematics on postoperative function is unknown. Future biomechanical studies should emphasize inclusion of anatomic features and tracking patterns related to patellar instability, with comparison between the surgical approaches for continued development of treatment guidelines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)58-63
Number of pages6
JournalSports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • MPFL reconstruction
  • biomechanics
  • computational simulation
  • diagnostic imaging
  • in vitro testing
  • patellar instability
  • tibial tuberosity medialization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biomechanical Analysis of Tibial Tuberosity Medialization and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this