Editorial Commentary: The Medial Patellofemoral Complex Is Composed of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament and the Medial Quadriceps Tendon-Femoral Ligament: Do We Need to Reconstruct Both?

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been known as the primary soft-tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation. More recent anatomic studies have identified additional fibers that extend to the quadriceps tendon (medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament [MQTFL]), leading to the use of the term medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) to describe the broad and variable attachment of this complex on the patella and quadriceps tendon. Whereas many techniques and outcomes of traditional MPFL reconstruction have been described, fewer reports exist on anatomic MPFC reconstruction to recreate both bundles of this complex. To date, the specific biomechanical roles of, and indications for, reconstruction of the MPFL versus MQTFL fibers have not been defined. One primary benefit of MQTFL reconstruction has been to avoid the risk of patella fracture, which is not obviated in the setting of concurrent patellar fixation when reconstructing both components of the MPFC. The risks and benefits comparing fixation on the patella, quadriceps tendon, or both with anatomic double-bundle reconstruction remain to be determined. Additional studies are needed to understand the differences between reconstructing the proximal and distal fibers of the MPFC with regard to graft length changes and femoral attachment sites, in order to optimally recreate the function of each graft bundle in the surgical treatment of patellar instability.

Automated summary

Anatomic studies have revealed the presence of additional fibers extending to the quadriceps tendon (MQTFL) in addition to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), leading to the use of the term medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC). However, the specific biomechanical roles and indications for reconstruction of the MPFL versus MQTFL fibers have not been defined.