What is the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL)?

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) belongs to the anterior medial supporting structures of the knee 1-3 and it is the main structure, preventing the patella from lateral displacement at 50-60% restraining force 1,7-9 . It is one of the medial patellar stabilizers together with the medial retinaculum and the vastus medialis oblique muscle 5.

Can MRI with gross anatomic and histologic correlation define medial patellofemoral ligament anatomy?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to use MRI with gross anatomic and histologic correlation in cadavers to define the anatomic details of the medial patellofemoral ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS. MRI of seven cadaveric knees was performed before and after intraarticular administration of a gadolinium solution.

What are the indications for MRI of the knee?

Knee pain in young patients is a common indication for knee MRI. Many static and dynamic internal derangements of the patellofemoral joint in these patients lead to various secondary MRI findings.

Does lateral patellar dislocation show up on MRI?

In addition, CT is required in the preoperative workup of predisposing factors for lateral patellar dislocation 2. MRI can directly depict the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is best visualized in axial views distal to the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and can categorize the exact location and extent of the injury 9.

Can the medial patellofemoral ligament tear away from the bone?

Most ruptures of the medial patellofemoral ligament occur at the femoral attachment. But the ligament can tear away from the tibial attachment or even in the middle (not at either bone attachment). This type of tear is called an intrasubstance tear.

Can you see the medial patellofemoral ligament on axial images?

The medial patellofemoral ligament and the medial patellotibial ligament were best visualized on axial images. In three of five knees, the superficial fibers of the medial patellofemoral ligament were attached to the epicondyle in a position posterior to the attachment point of the tibial collateral ligament.

What are the medial and lateral patellar ligamentous complexes?

The medial and lateral patellar ligamentous complexes (medial and lateral patellar retinacula) that form the soft-tissue restraints provide patellofemoral joint stability throughout the range of knee motion [ 1 ].