Comparing two surgical techniques for recurrent patellar dislocation

DynMPFL - Comparison of Dynamic and Static Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Operation Technique for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT04849130

This study is testing two different surgical methods for fixing recurring kneecap dislocation to see which one helps patients feel better and have fewer problems afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Basel and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04849130 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dynamic versus static medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction techniques in preventing patellar instability and improving patient quality of life. It aims to compare clinical and functional outcomes between the two surgical approaches, addressing common complications associated with static reconstruction. The dynamic technique, developed by Becher, is designed to minimize issues such as graft malpositioning and overtensioning, which are prevalent in traditional static methods. Patients with chronic patellar instability will be included based on specific criteria related to their condition severity and anatomical factors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with isolated chronic patellar instability who have not undergone previous surgeries for this condition.

Not a fit: Patients with high-grade trochlea dysplasia, significant patellofemoral arthritis, or those requiring combined surgical procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from recurrent patellar dislocation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on static MPFL reconstruction, the dynamic approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients treated with isolated dynamic (operation procedure according to Becher et al.using the gracilis tendon) or static MPFL plastic (operation procedure according to Schöttle et al. using the gracilis tendon). MPFL reconstruction will be performed in patients with preceding patella dislocation with: 1) a Patella-Instability-Severity (PIS) score ≤ 3 with concomitant flake fracture or 2) a PIS score ≥ 4 with clinical asymptomatic trochlea dysplasia (patella stability between 30°-60° knee flexion) without other clinically relevant static risk factors.
* Closed growth plates

Exclusion Criteria:

* Combined procedures with trochleoplasty (high grade trochlea dysplasia, type Dejour C,D with clinical instability between 30° and 60° of knee flexion)
* combined procedures with cartilage transplantation
* High grade patellofemoral arthritis (Kellgren Lawrence score ≥3)
* combined procedures with femoral or tibial osteotomy
* Clinically eminent valgus axis (\>15° valgus)
* Femoral internal rotation \>20°, tibial external rotation \>40°
* Instability of the cruciate or collateral ligaments
* Known significant musculoskeletal disease
* Cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Basel and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Patellar Instabilitychronic patellar instabilitystatic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructionstatic reconstruction technique according to Schöttledynamic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructionpatellofemoral ligament reconstructionpatella dislocationPatella-Instability-Severity score
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.