Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in cases of acute traumatic dislocation of the patella: current perspectives and trends in Brazil

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the approaches and procedures used by knee surgeons in Brazil for treating medial patellofemoral lesions (MPFL) of the knee in cases of acute traumatic dislocation of the patella.Materials and methodsA questionnaire comprising 15 closed questions on topics relating to treating MPFL of the knee following acute dislocation of the patella was used. It was applied to Brazilian knee surgeons during the three days of the 44th Brazilian Congress of Orthopedics and Traumatology, in 2012.Results106 knee surgeons completely filled out the questionnaire and formed part of the sample analyzed. Most of them were from the southeastern region of Brazil. The majority (57%) reported that they perform fewer than five MPFL reconstruction procedures per year. Indication of non-surgical treatment after a first episode of acute dislocation of the patella was preferred and done by 93.4% of the sample. Only 9.1% of the participants reported that they had never observed postoperative complications. Intraoperative radioscopy was used routinely by 48%. The professionals who did not use this tool to determine the point of ligament fixation in the femur did not have a statistically greater number of postoperative complications than those who used it (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThere are clear evolutionary trends in treatments and rehabilitation for acute dislocation of the patella due to MPFL, in Brazil. However, further prospective controlled studies are needed in order to evaluate the clinical and scientific benefit of these trends.

Avaliação funcional da reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial em atletas

“…Our findings are consistent with a survey performed with knee surgeons at national level. 20 The authors emphasize the need to know this anatomy in order to improve surgical time, to facilitate the marking of the entry points of the bone tunnels, and to minimize radiation exposure both to the surgical staff and to the patient.…”

“…Nossos achados conferem com uma pesquisa feita com cirurgiões de joelho no âmbito nacional. 20 Os autores enfatizam a necessidade do conhecimento dessa anatomia para aprimorar o tempo cirúrgico, facilitar a marcação do ponto de entrada dos túneis ósseos e minimizar a exposição a radiação à equipe cirúrgica e ao paciente.…”

Evaluation of the Knowledge on Cost of Orthopedic Implants Among Orthopedic Surgeons

“…But all these studies had as main theme orthopedic conditions and did not address health management and costs. 6 - 8 …”