SUMMARY
Purpose. To consolidate the anatomical data on medial patellofemoral ligament’s (MPFL) morphology and relationships with surrounding structures of the knee and contribute towards facilitating planning reconstruction surgeries.
Methods. Electronic databases were searched for articles containing quantitative data regarding MPFL’s morphology and distances to surgically relevant radiographic and anatomic landmarks from inception to April 2025. To synthesize the results of the included studies, a random-effects model via the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 4 software was employed.
Results. Initially, 7,263 articles underwent evaluation. Ultimately, 64 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. When measured at its midline in 0° degrees of flexion, the length was 56.87 mm (95%CI 54.38-59.37 mm). MPFL was widest at patellar insertion (23.17 mm; 95%CI 20.99-25.35 mm) and narrowest at femoral insertion (11.96 mm; 95%CI 10.63-13.29 mm). Its thickness in the middle part measured 1.17 mm (95%CI 0.91-1.43 mm). The center of MPFL’s femoral insertion was located on average 9.17 mm (95%CI 7.38-10.97 mm) distally, 10.81 mm (95%CI 8.54-13.08 mm) proximally, 6.82 mm (95%CI 0.94-12.07 mm) posteriorly and 2.22 mm (95%CI 1.45-2.99 mm) anteriorly in relation to adductor tendon tubercle and on average 6.21 mm (95%CI 4.18-8.23 mm) posteriorly, 9.03 mm (95%CI 6.79-11.27 mm) proximally, and 4.77 mm (95%CI -0.30-9.84 mm) anteriorly in relation to the medial femoral epicondyle.
Conclusions. The presented data facilitates graft harvesting and optimal femoral tunnel placement for reconstruction.
Study registration. This study has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, No CRD42023488062).
KEY WORDS
Medial patellofemoral ligament; lateral patellar dislocation; anatomy; knee surgery.