Study hopes to improve patella dislocation and associated cartilage injury outcomes

Researchers from Fiona Stanley Hospital’s (FSH) Orthopaedic team are hoping to improve outcomes for patients with patella (kneecap) dislocation and associated cartilage injuries through the 'Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction: A Retrospective Case Series' study.

Leader of the retrospective comparative study, Orthopaedic Registrar Dr John Scanlon, said patella dislocation is a common injury and a proportion of patients with associated cartilage injuries go on to require patella stabilisation or MPFL reconstruction surgery.

“Our study will gather evidence around patient anatomical factors that may lead to cartilage injury following patella dislocation,” Dr Scanlon said.

“By looking at the patient anatomy, as well as patient-reported outcome measures following surgery, we are hoping to reduce the rates of recurrent patellar instability and improve outcomes for these patients.

“Our study will also publish the outcomes of the commonly used quadriceps graft for MPFL reconstruction.

“We hope our findings will guide patients and surgeons with evidence-based information regarding their likely outcomes, including rate of return to sport post-operatively, recurrent instability and re-operation,” Dr Scanlon said.

Alongside senior authors of the study Peter D’Alessandro, Michael Finsterwald and Satyen Gohil, Dr Scanlon said the research is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2025.

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