Open AccessComparable outcome for autografts and allografts in primary medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Migliorini Filippo,
Trivellas Andromahi,
Eschweiler Jörg,
Knobe Matthias,
Tingart Markus,
Maffulli Nicola
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.806
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1433-7347
pISSN - 0942-2056
DOI - 10.1007/s00167-021-06569-w
Subject(s) - medial patellofemoral ligament , medicine , surgery , meta analysis , systematic review , patella , medline , political science , law
Purpose This study updates the current evidence on the role of allografts versus autografts for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability. Methods The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2021, a literature search in the main online databases was performed. Studies reporting quantitative data concerning primary MPFL reconstruction using an allograft were considered for inclusion. The Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected articles. Results Data from 12 studies (474 procedures) were retrieved. The mean follow‐up was 42.2 (15–78.5) months. The mean age was 21.1 ± 6.2 years. 64.9% (285 of 439) of patients were female. At the last follow‐up, the Tegner ( p < 0.0001), Kujala ( p = 0.002) and the Lysholm ( p < 0.0001) scores were minimally greater in the autografts. The similarity was found in the rate of persistent instability sensation and revision. The allograft group evidenced a lower rate of re‐dislocations ( p = 0.003). Conclusion Allografts may represent a feasible alternative to traditional autograft for MPFL reconstruction in selected patients with patellofemoral instability. Allograft tendons yielded similar PROMs, rates of persistent instability, and revision. Allograft reconstructions tended to have modestly lower re‐dislocation rates. Level of evidence IV.