MPFL Reconstruction

Repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee for severe tears, persistent instability and combined ligament injuries.

MCL Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with a tendon graft to stop recurrent kneecap dislocations and restore patellar stability.

MPFL Reconstruction

Surgical reattachment of a torn quadriceps or patellar tendon to the kneecap so the knee can straighten and bear weight again.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Realignment surgery through the tibia or femur, or repositioning of the tibial tubercle, to unload damaged cartilage, correct kneecap tracking and preserve the natural knee.

Knee Osteotomy

Repair or reconstruction of two or more torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner, after high-energy injuries and knee dislocations.

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

MPFL Reconstruction

The medial patellofemoral ligament holds the kneecap in its groove and keeps it from shifting outward.

After a dislocation it is usually torn, and in some knees it never holds again.Reconstruction replaces it with a tendon graft secured to the kneecap and the femur, restoring stability, confidence in the knee and a lower risk of future dislocations.

Performed by

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

or call801-640-0000

MPFL Reconstruction

Who It Helps

Reconstruction fits patients with recurrent kneecap dislocations, instability or a sensation of the kneecap slipping out, when bracing and physical therapy have not settled it.It may also follow certain significant first dislocations, especially with a cartilage fragment or a high risk of recurrence. Alignment and anatomy are assessed, since some patients need an additional procedure.

MPFL Reconstruction

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, usually one to two hours.Your surgeon reconstructs the ligament with a tendon graft fixed to the kneecap and femur, often after arthroscopy to check cartilage and loose fragments.Underlying alignment or anatomical factors may be corrected in the same surgery. Most patients go home the same day in a knee brace with crutches.Kneecap dislocations in teenage athletes from Utah County schools are a steady part of our sports clinic; we image alignment before recommending surgery. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

MPFL Reconstruction

Recovery Timeline

Six weeks in a brace protecting the reconstruction while swelling settles and motion returns, with crutches while control improves.Weeks six to twelve restore normal walking, range of motion and strength through therapy.Light jogging begins around months three to four. Higher-impact activity, cutting, pivoting and sports return at four to six months when strength, stability and functional testing support safe participation.

Milestones

Week 0 to 6Brace, crutches, motion

Week 6 to 12Normal walking, strength

Month 3 to 4Light jogging

Month 4 to 6Cutting and sport

MPFL Reconstruction

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, persistent discomfort, infection, blood clots, graft failure and recurrent instability are the main risks.Some patients keep anterior knee discomfort, particularly when cartilage damage is present. Alignment or anatomical abnormalities can influence long-term outcomes and occasionally need additional treatment, which your surgeon will evaluate up front.

MPFL Reconstruction

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

MPFL Reconstruction

Related Procedures and Conditions

Knee Osteotomy

Knee Arthroscopy

Cartilage Restoration

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330