Etiology — what causes it
Surgical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament after recurrent patellar dislocation. Restores medial restraint to lateral patellar translation.
Epidemiology — who gets it
Increasingly common for adolescent and young adult athletes with recurrent patellar dislocations. Outcomes are good with appropriate rehab.
Clinical signs
Tracked outcomes include quad strength symmetry, single-leg hop and squat symmetry, patellar mobility, and absence of apprehension.
Symptoms
Early surgical pain and swelling; progressive return of function. Hip and quad control are key for restoring stability.
Best evidence for chiropractic treatment
Phase-based rehab similar to ACL — early protection and activation, progressive strength, neuromuscular re-education, plyometrics, and criteria-based return to sport. Specific focus on hip control (gluteal strength) and quad activation, given their roles in patellar mechanics.
When to seek emergency care
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention — not a chiropractic visit. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for: progressive limb weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle anesthesia (numbness in the groin/inner thighs), severe unrelenting pain unrelieved by position, signs of fracture after significant trauma, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech changes), or any rapidly worsening or unusual symptom.
Bottom line
MPFL rehab follows the ACL playbook — phase-based, criteria-driven, with extra attention to quad and hip control.