An Anatomical Study of the Origin, Structure and Insertion of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament

Background: Repair and reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been undertaken for the treatment of patellar instability. For successful surgery detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the ligament is required. The aim of this study was to describe the origin, structure and insertion of the MPFL.

Materials And Methods: We studied cadaveric knees from 30 Chinese adults. We studied the origin, course and insertion of the MPFL.

Results: We found that the MPFL was composed of two main strands, superficial and deep. We also found that the insertion of the MPFL into the femur had three common patterns. All three were located between the adductor tubercle and the proximal part of superficial medial collateral ligament.

Conclusions: We have added to the anatomical knowledge of the structure of the MPFL. Our study has implications for guiding bone tunnel positioning during MPFL reconstruction surgery. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 356-361).