Origin and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a systematic review of anatomy

Aframian, Arash, Smith, Toby O. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1673-2954, Tennent, T. Duncan, Cobb, Justin Peter and Hing, Caroline Blanca (2017) Origin and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a systematic review of anatomy. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 25 (12). 3755–3772. ISSN 0942-2056

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Abstract

Purpose: The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) is the major medial soft-tissue stabiliser of the patella, originating from the medial femoral condyle and inserting onto the medial patella. The exact position reported in the literature varies. Understanding the true anatomical origin and insertion of the MPFL is critical to successful reconstruction. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine these locations. Methods: A systematic search of published (AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library) and unpublished literature databases was conducted from their inception to the 3rd February 2016. All papers investigating the anatomy of the MPFL were eligible. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified CASP tool. A narrative analysis approach was adopted to synthesise the findings. Results: After screening and review of 2045 papers, a total of studies investigating the relevant anatomy were included. From this, the origin appears to be from an area rather than (as previously reported) a single point on the medial femoral condyle. The weighted average length was 56mm with an ‘hourglass’ shape, fanning out at both ligament ends. Conclusion: The MPFL is an hourglass shaped structure running from a triangular space between the adductor tubercle, medial femoral epicondyle and gastrocnemius tubercle and inserts onto the superomedial aspect of the patella. Awareness of anatomy is critical for assessment, anatomic repair and successful surgical patellar stabilisation.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: medial patellofemoral ligament,anatomy,insertion,origin,mpfl,attachments,reconstruction
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 24 Sep 2016 00:14
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2023 01:44
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59932
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-016-4272-1

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