Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using a partial-thickness quadriceps tendon graft

BACKGROUND: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using quadriceps tendon (QT) grafts provides favorable results with minimal complications and can be performed in patients with open epiphyseal plates. Following MPFL reconstruction using QT grafts, the outcomes have been evaluated, but the residual quadriceps strength (QS) has never been evaluated. AIM: We analyzed the knee’s range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference (TC), and QS at donor leg sites compared with those at contralateral healthy sites after MPFL reconstruction. The hypothesis was that there is no morbidity at donor sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction using QT autografts between January and December 2017 were recruited. The ROM, TC, and QS were measured 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (8 men, 14 women; mean age, 28.40 ± 10.78 years [range, 16–45]) were included in the study. The TCs at the donor and contralateral sites (medians: 37 and 37.5 cm, respectively) showed no significant difference (p = 0.64). QS measurements showed means of 182 ± 4.6 N and 190 ± 4.7 N at the donor and contralateral sites, respectively (p = 0.376). There were no ROM deficits. CONCLUSIONS: The ROM, TC, and QS at donor sites were similar to those at contralateral sites. The QT is a suitable graft for MPFL reconstruction.