Restoring Kneecap Stability in AdelaideQuality Patient Care

MPFL Reconstruction

Sustaining a kneecap dislocation can significantly damage the stabilizing tissues on the inside of your knee, often leading to a persistent feeling of insecurity or repeated slipping. When the knee's natural stabilizers are compromised, specialized surgical intervention can safely restore your joint configuration.

At Adelaide Knee Clinic, led by experienced Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Liptak, we specialize in MPFL Reconstruction to correct patellar tracking issues and rebuild complete structural confidence in your knee.

What is MPFL Reconstruction?

The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) is a distinct, high-consequence band of tissue located on the inner side of the knee joint. It acts as the primary passive stabiliser preventing the kneecap (patella) from slipping outward or completely dislocating from its natural groove when you bend and straighten your leg.

When a kneecap dislocates, the MPFL is almost always severely stretched or torn. If the ligament fails to heal tightly, the kneecap can become chronically unstable. An MPFL Reconstruction is a targeted surgical procedure where the damaged ligament is completely removed and replaced with a strong, healthy tissue graft (typically utilising a small hamstring tendon graft). This graft is carefully tensioned and secured to restore the natural check-rein mechanism on the inside of your joint.

The Procedure

What to Expect

MPFL reconstruction is performed utilizing a combination of minimally invasive arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery and small open incisions on the inner side of your knee.

1. Joint Inspection

Dr Liptak utilises a high-definition arthroscopic camera to thoroughly evaluate the cartilage surfaces behind the kneecap and rule out any loose bone or cartilage fragments caused by previous dislocations.

2. Graft Preparation

A small tissue graft is prepared to match the exact structural dimensions of your natural ligament.

3. Fixation

Using specialised, bio-compatible anchors or screws, the new ligament graft is precisely fixed to the inner edge of the kneecap and the lower end of the thighbone, perfectly recreating the correct alignment.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

At Adelaide Knee Clinic, we view surgery and rehabilitation as an inseparable partnership.

Dr Matthew Liptak firmly believes that the surgery is only part of the job the rest depends entirely on a committed, structured recovery. Achieving your mobility and long-term joint health goals requires an equal commitment to both phases.

Access Our Post-Operative Recovery Resources

Your exact recovery timeline depends on your specific rehabilitation milestones:

Initial Protection: You will typically wear a specialised post-operative brace locked in extension and use crutches for the first few weeks to shield the newly reconstructed ligament as it anchors to the bone.
Controlled Range of Motion: Under strict physical therapy guidance, you will gradually introduce flexion exercises to safely bend the knee without over-tensioning the graft.
Targeted Strengthening: A criteria-driven exercise programme is absolutely vital to rebuild the quadriceps (specifically the inner thigh muscles) and hip stabilisers to optimise long-term kneecap tracking.

Understanding Surgical Risks and Considerations

Every major surgical procedure carries inherent risks, and it is important to evaluate them objectively before proceeding. Potential complications associated with ACL reconstruction, while uncommon, can include localised infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), delayed wound healing, joint stiffness or loss of motion, graft failure or re-tear, kneecap pain, and temporary numbness around the incisions. Dr Liptak will thoroughly review these risks during your pre-operative appointment to ensure you can make a fully informed treatment choice.