MPFL Reconstruction
Knee surgery for kneecap dislocationKnee surgeon Perth | Orthopaedic surgeon Dr David Colvin - shoulder and knee surgery
MPFL Reconstruction
Perth knee surgeonWhat is MPFL Reconstruction?
Two knee reconstruction procedures are used for a dislocating patella. The first is Tibial Tubercle Transfer (TTT) and the second is Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction (MPFL).
The knee cap or patella acts as a pulley at the front of the knee. It allows the large quadriceps muscles of your thigh to pull across the front of the knee acting on the patellar tendon to straighten the knee. The patellar sits in a groove at the front of the femur (thigh bone) called a trochlea groove. With a direct blow or a twisting injury, the patella can be dislocated out of its groove onto the outside of the knee joint.
Dr. David Colvin, trained in orthopaedic surgery in Perth. David's specialty is knee and shoulder surgery and sports injuries.
How does the MPFL tear?
Here in Perth, playing netball would be one of the most frequent causes of a dislocated patella. When the patella is forced to the outside of the knee joint, everything that is attached to the inner half of the knee cap is torn or damaged. The muscle here is the VMO which is the inner quadriceps muscle.
The ligament attaching to the inner half of the knee cap is the medial patellofemoral ligament. It is one of the major structures which keeps the knee cap centralised in its groove. Patella dislocation tears the MPFL and sprains the VMO muscle.
What happens during the MPFL reconstruction?
To perform this reconstructive knee surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will make a new ligament to replace the torn MPFL. He can use a graft tendon from your body such as a hamstring tendon or part of the quadriceps tendon, or an artificial ligament called the LARS graft.
Holes are drilled in the femur, and the inner edge of the patella and the new ligament is secured in these holes with screws. MPFL reconstruction is sometimes combined with Tibial Tubercle Transfer surgery (TTT).
CO.RE Exercises

In the field of shoulder and knee reconstruction, successful outcomes from an operation are 50% surgery and 50% rehabilitation. You could say the surgery is the easy bit, the rehabilitation is all hard slog. Dr Colvin’s CO.RE exercise programs are just that, a core plan for your successful recovery.
Rehabilitation after MPFL reconstruction surgery.
Is MPFL reconstruction an option for you?
If you are experiencing recurrent patella dislocation, then the chance of further damage to your knee cap is high. MPFL reconstruction can stabilise your dislocating patella and allow a return to normal activities and sport. If you think you might benefit from MPFL reconstruction surgery, call to make an appointment with your orthopaedic surgeon at our Perth practice to discuss your options.
Kneecap Dislocation
Knee Cartilage
Osteoarthritis
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CONTACT DETAILS
(08) 9489 8787
ADDRESS
Suite 213/25 McCourt St,
Subiaco WA 6008
OPENING HOURS
Consulting Rooms
Dr David Colvin consults at:
Western Orthopaedic Clinic
- These rooms are part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
- Parking is available on site.
OPERATING
Dr David Colvin operates at:
St John of God Subiaco Hospital
12 Salvado Rd,
Subiaco WA 6008