Proximal Migration of the Femoral Fixation Anchor After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in a Skeletally Immature Patient: A Case Report
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medikum Private Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
Sports Traumatol Arthrosc - DOI: 10.14744/start.2025.06719
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Abstract

The success of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is highly dependent on the accurate placement of the graft on the femoral attachment. Fixation of the graft on the femoral side can be challenging in skeletally immature patients due to the close proximity of the MPFL footprint and the distal femoral physis, which remains open during skeletal growth. Fixation of the graft to the proximal metaphysis may lead to proximal migration of the femoral fixation materials or tunnel during skeletal growth. In this unique case, a 12-year-old patient who underwent MPFL reconstruction experienced re-dislocation at the age of 15, necessitating revision of MPFL reconstruction. Despite the proximal migration of the femoral fixation anchor due to skeletal growth, the graft material remained in its original location. This finding is significant as it suggests that the MPFL graft can demonstrate tight healing with soft tissues and the periosteum at the attachment site, maintaining its position despite the migration of the tunnel or fixation materials within the bone.