Shoulder balloon spacer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears results in significant improvements.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of balloon implantation in patients with irreparable supraspinatus tears alone or in combination with other rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears and the effect of several covariables, such as age, gender, status of the long head biceps, with or without tendon repair and regardless the number of tendon involved. METHODS: Patients enrolled from 'San Carlo' Hospital of Potenza (Italy, IT), from January 2012 to September 2014, underwent arthroscopic implantation of shoulder balloon by a single surgeon, and followed for 3 years. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant score (CS) were administered pre-, post-operatively at 12 months, and then annually. Patients were classified on the basis of the number of tendons involved in the tears and treatment performed, considering the reparability of the tendons themselves. Gleno-humeral joint osteoarthrosis (OA) was evaluated through shoulder radiographs and classified according to the Samilson-Prieto classification, at the first examination and at the final follow-up. Statistical improvements were evaluated using a variance model (least-squares means) and a T distribution test for the evaluation between different treatment groups. RESULTS: A total of 61 procedures were performed, and eight patients were lost during follow-up. The mean baseline CS was 30.2 ± 15.4 with statistically significant improvement, respectively, at 1-, 2- and 3-year follow-up to 69.3 ± 4.2, 74.6 ± 3.6 and 69.7 ± 5.1 respectively. ASES score at baseline was 22.5 ± 10.9, with a statistically significant improvement to 69.7 ± 9.2, 68 ± 17.8 and 71.2 ± 16.6 at 1-, 2- and 3-year follow-up, respectively. Tenotomy or absence of long head biceps at presentation did not influence results (n.s.), with no difference according to gender and age. At final follow-up, 24 patients (43.9%) showed progression of glenohumeral OA. One patient required secondary surgery for shoulder replacement after 18 months for persistent pain and one patient required implant removal following post-operative laser treatment. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic rotator cuff tears repair with subacromial spacer balloon implantation showed statistically significant clinical and functional improvement at 3-year follow-up. Patients treated with combined partial repair and subacromial spacer balloon implantation experienced good results independent of gender, age, type of tear and long-head biceps tendon status. The risks related to this procedure appear to be minimal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Long head of biceps tendon augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears improves clinical results regardless of the number of tendons involved.

PURPOSE: Management of massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) remains debated, and various arthroscopic and open techniques have been described for their management. Nevertheless, the optimal strategy remains unclear. The present study evaluated the clinical results in patients managed arthroscopically for MRCTs augmented with the long head biceps tendon (LHBT) at a minimum 1-year follow-up, considering different type of tears, demographic data and number of torn tendons. METHODS: Patients treated in a secondary referral centre from January 2021 to April 2022 were enroled prospectively. Inclusion criteria were pain, inability to fully elevate the affected shoulder, irreparable tears and active and motivated patients. All patients were managed within 2 months from diagnosis in a single centre by the same surgeons. Preoperative shoulder radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected, and clinical assessment was also performed using the Numerical analogue scale (NAS), Constant score (CS) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). Tissue retraction and tendon fatty infiltration were evaluated using Patte and Fuchs scale, respectively. Clinical assessment was performed using the same scales at 3-6 months and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients (31 female and 24 male) with a mean age of 60 ± 7.1 years were enroled for a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 4.3 months. The mean preoperative NAS was 7.8 ± 0.6, CS was 20.5 ± 7.6 and ASES was 22.6 ± 9.2, increasing, respectively, to 0.3 ± 0.6, 91.5 ± 6.9 and 94.2 ± 6.7. No adverse side effects (infection, rejection, allergy) were reported during the study period. All patients were evaluated after surgery at 3 and 6 months and 1 year with statistically significant improvement for each score at the first and last follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of LHBT augmentation in patients with MRCTs in appropriately selected patients is safe and effective and can lead to pain relief and acceptable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, its use carries low donor site morbidity and is cost effective. Comparative studies, including randomised controlled trials, with other proposed techniques are needed to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The use of long head biceps tendon autograft for massive rotator cuff tears: a PRISMA compliant systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability, with massive RCT accounting for 10-40% of all rotator cuff tears. SOURCES OF DATA: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus electronic databases was performed up to August 2022, and a total of 17 scientific articles were included in the present PRISMA compliant systematic review. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Understanding the geometric patterns in RCT is essential to achieve appropriate repositioning of the injured tendons in their anatomic location. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is usually exposed when defects of the anterolateral corner are present and can be easily used to augment rotator cuff repairs. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: There are no definite guideline regarding the management of massive rotator cuff tears. GROWING POINTS: The use of LHBT graft is safe and effective, but technically demanding. All studies were level IV articles of medium to high quality. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Prospective long term follow-up studies and randomized controlled trials are needed, adding imaging evaluation and appropriate clinical outcome measures at follow-up.

Pregnancy and parturition after hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The indications for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have become more widespread. Of the patients receiving a THA, some will be women with child-bearing potential. There has been little research into the effects of pregnancy and parturition on THA, and the effect of THA on pregnancy and parturition. METHODS: A systematic search in different database, to December 2020, was performed to define the effects of pregnancy and parturition on THA, and the effect of THA on pregnancy and parturition. Seven suitable studies were identified. RESULTS: Following a THA, there appear to be no harmful effects on subsequent pregnancies with regards to either the health of the mother or baby. There is no increase in pregnancy complications, or difficulties in labour arising from the THA. Some women and their obstetricians may opt for a pre-emptive Caesarian section, but there is no scientific basis for this line of action. The state of pregnancy in turn appears to have no harmful effects on the THA. CONCLUSION: Further research will be useful to better understand which materials and which types of prostheses to use in young women of childbearing age to ensure maximum safety for pregnancy and childbirth.

Mini-invasive bilateral transfacet screw fixation with reconstruction of the neural arch for lumbar stenosis: A two centre case series.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbar stenosis and instability frequently coexist. Spinal canal decompression is often combined with fixation of the relevant vertebral segment and can be performed using different techniques and devices, including pedicle screws and interspinous devices and facet screws. The present study evaluates the clinical outcome of laminectomy and single-level fusion using a minimally invasive technique for rigid posterior spinal column fixation with two cross-linked lag screws. METHODS: The records of patients operated from 2012 to 2016 were retrieved from the computerised medical record database system. Data on age, sex, surgical level, type of deficit and disease were collected. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were administered pre-operatively and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 46 consecutive patients were operated between January 2012 to October 2016. One intraoperative complication was reported, and 4 patients experienced radiographic pseudarthrosis postoperatively. Five patients underwent additional surgery. The lumbar and lower limb VAS score, ODI and SF-36 scores showed statistically significant improvement for each score at the first and last follow-up (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous lumbar transfacet screw placement with the Facet-Link ® system is feasible and safe but with a relatively high rate of poor articular fusion. This technique can reduce the morbidity of single-level lumbar spinal stenosis and mild instability and improve patient outcome scores. Comparative studies, including randomised controlled trials, are needed to confirm these findings.

Proximal Femoral Fractures in the Elderly: A Few Things to Know, and Some to Forget.

Hip fractures are a leading cause of hospitalisation in elderly patients, representing an increasing socioeconomic problem arising from demographic changes, considering the increased number of elderly people in our countries. Adequate peri-operative treatment is essential to decrease mortality rates and avoid complications. Modern management should involve a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, early surgery, pain treatment, balanced fluid therapy, and prevention of delirium, to improve patients' functional and clinical outcomes. The operative treatment for intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures is intramedullary nail or sliding/dynamic hip screw (DHS) on the basis of the morphology of the fracture. In the case of neck fractures, total hip replacement (THR) or hemiarthroplasty are recommended. However, several topics remain debated, such as the optimum thromboprophylaxis to reduce venous thromboembolism or the use of bone cement. Postoperatively, patients can benefit from early mobilisation and geriatric multidisciplinary care. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a prolonged time to operation with a subsequent increased complication rate have burdened frail and elderly patients with hip fractures. Future studies are needed with the aim to investigate better strategies to improve nutrition, postoperative mobility, to clarify the role of home-based rehabilitation, and to identify the ideal analgesic treatment and adequate tools in case of patients with cognitive impairment.

The double posteromedial portals endoscopy for posterior ankle impingement syndrome in athletes.

BACKGROUND: Posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) may result from flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy, compression of the posterior process of the talus from the presence of an os trigonum, soft-tissue impingement, or a combination of these. Posterior extra-articular endoscopy performed with the patient supine through the double posteromedial portals, with excision of adhesions, excision of the posterior process of the talus or an os trigonum, and decompression of the tendon of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL), can be used in athletes with PAIS. METHODS: Thirty-four athletes with PAIS in whom conservative management had failed underwent posterior ankle endoscopy in the supine position using the double posteromedial portals. The patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale score, the Tegner scale, and the simple visual analogue scale. Time of surgery, return to sports, patient satisfaction, and complications were recorded and analysed. The average length of postoperative follow-up was 26.7 ± 12.6 (range 24 to 72) months. RESULTS: The mean Tegner activity scale score improved to 9 ± 0.2 postoperatively (p < 0.05), while the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score improved to 96 ± 5.1 (range 87 to 100) postoperatively, with 29 of 34 patients (85.3%) achieving a perfect score of 100 (p < 0.05). The mean time to return to sports was 8.7 ± 0.7 (range 8 to 10) weeks. The complication rate was low, with no superficial wound infections or venous thromboembolism events; only two patients (5.9%) reported pain and tenderness by 3 months after the index procedure. CONCLUSION: Posterior ankle endoscopy for the resection of a posterior process of the talus or an os trigonum and decompression of the tendon of FHL is safe and allows excellent outcomes with low morbidity in athletes with PAIS.

An evidence based narrative review on treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of diabetic food infection is usually clinical, and its severity is related to location and depth of the lesion, and the presence of necrosis or gangrene. Osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle can be extremely debilitating, and, in the preantibiotic era acute staphylococcal osteomyelitis carried a mortality rate of 50%. The microbiology of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is usually polymicrobial. Indeed, gram-negative and gram-positive bacilli can be identified using molecular techniques applied to bone biopsies compared to conventional techniques. The aim of the present study is to report a complete overview regarding medical and surgical management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) in combination or alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a search in PubMed and Scopus electronic databases (up to January 2019) of articles assessing the epidemiology, diagnostic strategy and pharmacological treatment of diabetic foot infection. In the search strategy, we used various combinations of the following key terms: infection, orthopaedic, diabetic foot, management, DFO. RESULTS: This article discusses the definition, epidemiology, microbiological assessment, clinical evaluation, pharmacological and surgical management and a comparison between them, of DFO. After the initial literature search and removal of duplicate records, a total of 756 potentially relevant citations were identified. After a further screening and according to the inclusion criteria, a total of 65 articles were included in the present review. CONCLUSION: The association of antibiotic and surgical therapy seems to be more effective compared to each one alone. The lack of comparison studies and randomized controlled trials makes it difficult to give information about the efficacy of the different management therapies.

Biological and chemical changes in fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathies: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The present systematic review investigates the biological and chemical mechanisms that affect the health and structure of tendons following the use of fluoroquinolones (FQs). SOURCES OF DATA: A total of 12 articles were included, organized, and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Five mechanisms were identified: arrest of proliferation through a decreased activity of cyclin B, CDK-1, CHK-1, and increased PK-1; decrease tenocytes migration through decreased phosphorylation of FAK; decrease type I collagen metabolism through increased MMP-2; chelate effect on ions that influence epigenetics and several enzymes; fluoroquinolones-induced ROS (radical oxygen species) production in mitochondria. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: There is no definite structure-damage relationship. The dose-effect relationship is unclear. GROWING POINTS: Knowing and defining the damage exerted by FQs plays a role in clinical practice, replacing FQs with other antibacterial drugs or using antioxidants to attenuate their pathological effects. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Clinical and basic sciences studies for each FQs are necessary.

Prevalence of Hyponatremia in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures: A Two-Year Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of hyponatremia in elderly patients (≥65 years old) with hip fractures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All records containing clinical and laboratory data on the 334 elderly patients admitted to the San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital of Salerno, Italy, with hip fractures during 2014 and 2015, were retrieved from the hospital database. Patients were divided into 4 groups, according to their sex and the type of hip fracture. Sodium serum concentrations were retrieved from the medical records. Hyponatremia was defined as the presence of at least 1 episode of hyponatremia during the hospital stay. RESULTS: Of 334 elderly patients, hyponatremia was found in 64 (19%). The prevalence of hyponatremia was 18% (28/157) for female patients with extracapsular proximal femoral fracture, 22% (17/79) for female patients with intracapsular proximal femoral fracture, 20% (12/60) for male patients with extracapsular proximal femoral fracture, and 18% (7/38) for male patients with intracapsular proximal femoral fracture. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of hyponatremia in the elderly patients with hip fractures. Hence, serum sodium concentrations should be regularly assessed to prevent occurrence of hyponatremia.

Rotational ankle instability: A current concept review.

Ankle sprains are extremely common. It is important to have a clear insight of the course of recovery after such injury to evaluate the effective strategies to guide management decisions, and understand the potential risk factors involved in the development of chronic problems and recurrent ankle sprains. When a prompt diagnosis is not formulated, ligament tears can remain untreated, and chronic ankle instability can result after acute lateral or medial ankle sprain. When the medial ligament complex (MLC), in particular the anterior fascicle of the deltoid ligament, is involved, rotational ankle instability (RAI) can develop. Generally, a tear of the anterior fibres of the MCL accompanied by anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) insufficiency has been associated with RAI, while injury of the intermediate fibres of the MLC has been associated with medial ankle instability (MAI). Conservative management is the first line of treatment, with surgery reserved for special cases or if rehabilitation has failed. Regarding surgery, several options are available, including anatomic repair, anatomic reconstruction, and tenodesis procedures. Ankle arthroscopy is increasingly used to address ligament insufficiency and to identify and treat intra-articular pathologies. Repair of MLC tears by an arthroscopic all-inside procedure is effective in both MAI and RAI.

Hand Flexor Tendon Repair: From Biology to Surgery and Rehabilitation.

Tendon biology and anatomy are crucial to manage hand flexor tendon injuries, not only for surgical treatment but also for rehabilitation; surgeon and physical therapist have to choose zone by zone the best way to manage and restore the normal function of hand flexor tendons.

Achilles Tendinopathy Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review.

The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon of the human body, and it is frequently injured during sports activity. The incidence of Achilles tendon pathologies has increased over recent decades, especially in the last few years, because of increased sports participation among the general population and due to the diffusion of competitive sports at a high level. Tendinopathies are common in athletes and in middle-aged overweight patients. The term "tendinopathy" refers to a condition characterised clinically by pain and swelling, with functional limitations of tendon and nearby structures, and consequently to chronic failure of healing response process. Tendinopathies can produce marked morbidity, and at present, scientifically validated management modalities are limited. Despite the constantly increasing interest and number of studies about Achilles tendinopathy (AT), there is still not a consensual point of view on which is the best treatment, and its management is still controversial. AT can be treated conservatively primarily, with acceptable results and clinical outcomes. When this approach fails, surgery should be considered. Several surgical procedures have been described for both conditions with a relatively high rate of success with few complications and the decision for treatment in patients with AT should be tailored on patient's needs and level of activity. The aim of this article is to give insights about the pathogenesis and most used and recent treatment options for AT.

Combined medial patellofemoral and medial patellotibial reconstruction for patellar instability: a PRISMA systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) works in association with the medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) and the medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML) to impart stability to the patellofemoral joint. The anatomy and biomechanical characteristics of the MPFL have been well described but little is known about the MPTL and MPML. Several reconstruction procedures of the MPFL with semitendinosus, gracilis, patellar and quadriceps tendons, allografts and synthetic grafts have been described. No clear superiority of one surgical technique over another is evident. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles that reported clinical outcomes of combined reconstruction of MPTL and MPFL. The methodological quality of the articles was determined using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). RESULTS: Nine articles were included, reporting the clinical outcomes of 197 operated knees. The surgical procedures described include hamstrings grafting and transfer of the medial patellar and quadriceps tendons with or without bony procedures to reconstruct the MPTL in association with the MPFL. Overall, good and excellent outcomes were achieved. The median CMS is 70.6 ± 14.4 (range 38 to 84). CONCLUSION: Different techniques are reported, and outcomes are good with low rates of recurrence. The quality of the articles is variable, ranging from low to high. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand what the adequate indications for surgery in patients with patellar instability and clinical outcomes are. Combined reconstruction of MPFL and MPTL leads to favourable clinical outcomes, supporting its role as a valid surgical procedure for patellar stabilization.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Topical Review.

Chronic ankle instability can result from untreated or badly managed acute lateral ankle ligament injuries. Conservative management is the modality of choice for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries, and operative treatment is reserved for special cases. Failure after strict rehabilitation may be an indication for surgery. Several operative options are available, including anatomic repair, anatomic reconstruction, and tenodesis procedures. Anatomic repair can be performed when the quality of the damaged ligaments permits. Anatomic reconstruction with an autograft or allograft should be considered when the torn ligaments are not adequate. Ankle arthroscopy is a useful adjunct to ligamentous procedures, performed at the time of repair to identify and treat intra-articular conditions that may be associated with chronic ankle instability. Tenodesis techniques are not recommended because of their suboptimal long-term results related to the modification of ankle and hindfoot biomechanics.Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Management of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: what we know, what we can do.

Tendinopathies are challenging conditions frequent in athletes and in middle-aged overweight patients with no history of increased physical activity. The term "tendinopathy" refers to a clinical condition characterised by pain, swelling, and functional limitations of tendons and nearby structures, the effect of chronic failure of healing response. Tendinopathies give rise to significant morbidity, and, at present, only limited scientifically proven management modalities exist. Achilles and patellar tendons are among the most vulnerable tendons, and among the most frequent lower extremity overuse injuries. Achilles and patellar tendinopathies can be managed primarily conservatively, obtaining good results and clinical outcomes, but, when this approach fails, surgery should be considered. Several surgical procedures have been described for both conditions, and, if performed well, they lead to a relatively high rate of success with few complications. The purpose of this narrative review is to critically examine the recent available scientific literature to provide evidence-based opinions on these two common and troublesome conditions.

Iliotibial band syndrome rehabilitation in female runners: a pilot randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) carries marked morbidity in runners. Its management is not standardized and lacks evidence base. We evaluated the effectiveness of three different exercises programs in reducing ITBS symptoms. METHODS: Patients were divided into three equal treatment groups: ITB stretching (group A), conventional exercise (group B), and experimental hip strengthening exercise (group C). Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS; every week), lower extremity functional scale (LEFS; every 2 weeks), dynamometer (DN; weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8), single-limb mini squat (SLMS; week 0, 8), and Y-balance test™ (YBT), between and within group's differences were evaluated using ANOVA model. RESULTS: Twenty-four female runners (age 19-45 years) were included into one of three groups (A, B, and C). Statistical significance (p < 0.05) within group C was observed for composite YBT and DN for injured and non-injured leg, the YBT (injured leg for the posterior medial), LEFS, NPRS, and the SLMS. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between group A and group C. The stretching group exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.05) YBT anterior reach for the injured/non-injured leg and the LEFS. CONCLUSION: There were no statistical differences between the three groups. The subjects who underwent experimental hip strengthening exercises consistently showed improvements in outcome measures, and never scored less than the other two groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT0229615.

Current pharmacological approaches to the treatment of tendinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Tendinopathies are common in elite and recreational athletes: traditionally considered overuse injuries, they involve excessive tensile loading and subsequent breakdown of the loaded tendon. Many pharmacological treatments have been proposed for the management of tendinopathy, with no agreement regarding the overall best option available both for Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. AREAS COVERED: The present article reports the best scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of different pharmacological treatments in different types of tendinopathy, focusing on Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, the conditions on which more studies have been published. EXPERT OPINION: No univocal evidence exists regarding the best non-operative management, which includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, platelet-rich plasma, high volume image-guided injections, hyaluronic acid, and prolotherapy, for tendinopathy (in particular Achilles and patellar tendinopathies) as a suitable alternative to the commonly used eccentric loading rehabilitation regimen. It is unclear whether the combination of pharmacological substances with physical therapy would produce better results than physical therapy alone. There is an overall lack of published well-performed randomized controlled trials comparing the various options available for the management of tendinopathy, studying large cohorts of patients for adequately long follow-up periods and with well-validated standardized scores and scales.

Combined medial patellofemoral and patellotibial reconstruction with soft tissue fixation in recurrent patellar dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: The medial patellofemoral and patellotibial ligaments (MPFL and MPTL) are the main passive restraints to lateral patellar translation. When nonoperative management of patellofemoral dislocations fails, surgical options can be considered to restore patellofemoral stability. Several reconstruction procedures of the MPFL with semitendinosus, gracilis, quadriceps tendon, and synthetic grafts have been described. No clear superiority of one surgical technique over another is evident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who suffered at least two documented episodes of unilateral patellar dislocation, confirmed radiographically and at clinical examination, underwent combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction. Patients were regularly followed-up postoperatively at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, and then annually for a minimum of 2.5 years. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed using the modified Cincinnati rating system and the Kujala score, while anthropometry values including thigh volume and cross-sectional area of the thigh were measured before the operation and at the latest follow-up bilaterally. RESULTS: There were 7 males and 27 females with a mean age of 26.5 ± 10.7 years (range, 13-39 years). The mean follow-up was 3.1 years (range, 2.5-4 years). The mean modified Cincinnati score Increased from 51 ± 22 preoperatively to 90 ± 19 (P = .001). The mean Kujala scores increased from 47 ± 17 preoperatively to 82 ± 17 (P = .02), with no significant differences between patients with or without osteochondral lesions (P ≥ .05), and between male and female patients (P ≥ .08). The Insall-Salvati index was 1.1 preoperatively and remained within normal range (P = .05) at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: Combined reconstruction of MPFL and MPTL using an ipsilateral autologous gracilis tendon is satisfactory and effective and can be considered as suitable management option to treat recurrent dislocation of the patella. However, randomized studies are needed to compare different techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Case series.