Medial Perspective Of The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament

Description

Medial knee anatomy is presented from a medial perspective, centering on the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) as it courses from the superomedial border of the patella to its femoral attachment near the medial epicondyle, in the region of the adductor tubercle and the medial femoral condyle. Anteriorly, the ligament sits deep to the medial retinacular fibers and adjacent to the medial patellar margin, while posteriorly it relates to the capsule and the medial collateral ligament complex. Inferior to the patella, the proximal tibia lies distal to the joint line, with the femur superiorly forming the patellofemoral articulation. MPFL integrity matters most in the setting of lateral patellar instability. After a first-time lateral patellar dislocation, the MPFL is the structure most often torn, and this view clarifies why: it provides the primary restraint to lateral translation in early knee flexion before the patella is fully engaged in the trochlear groove. Femoral tunnel placement during MPFL reconstruction is unforgiving; a few millimeters of malposition can overconstrain the patella, increase medial contact pressures, and drive anterior knee pain or stiffness. Small distances. Big consequences. Use this asset in orthopedic and sports medicine teaching on patellar tracking, dislocation mechanisms, and graft reconstruction planning, and in anatomy curricula covering the medial knee stabilizers alongside the femur, tibia, and patellofemoral joint. It also suits journal figures and patient-facing education that needs a clean explanation of where the MPFL runs and why it fails in young male athletes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.