Simulation of varying femoral attachment sites of medial patellofemoral ligament using a musculoskeletal multi-body model

Abstract

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a key structure in the treatment of habitual and traumatic patellofemoral instability. However, there exists little knowledge about its behaviour during deep knee flexion after femoral refixation. Since improper femoral attachment sites may lead to unnatural length change patterns in the ligament and consequently to osteoarthritis due to pathological femoro-patellar contact pressure, the understanding of the patella kinematics and MPFL behaviour is crucial.

Keywords

• biomechanics
• patella kinematics
• medial patellofemoral ligament (mpfl)
• attachment sites