Morphology of the femoral insertion site of the medial patellofemoral ligament

The purpose of this study was to identify the femoral insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and related osseous landmarks. A total of 31 unpaired human cadaveric knees were studied. The MPFL was identified, and the site of its femoral insertion was marked. Three-dimensional images were created, and the location and morphology of the femoral insertion of the MPFL and related osseous structures were analyzed. The MPFL was identified in all knees. The femoral insertion of the MPFL was elliptical in shape, and the mean surface area was 56.5 +/- A 16.9 mm(2). The characteristic features of the femoral insertion of the MPFL could not be identified, but the adductor tubercle was clearly identified in all knees. The centre of the femoral insertion of the MPFL was 10.6 +/- A 2.5 mm distal to the apex of the adductor tubercle on the long axis of the femur, and the position of the insertion site was consistent in all knees. The adductor tubercle was clearly identified as an osseous landmark. The femoral insertion of the MPFL was approximately 10 mm distal to the adductor tubercle. These findings may improve understanding of the anatomy of the femoral insertion of the MPFL and may assist surgeons in performing anatomical reconstruction.