Liam's Story - MPFL Reconstruction Surgery

Liam had been dealing with a lifetime of kneecap dislocations. He is an avid hockey player and needed to find his answer. Dr. Sabrina Strickland of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City sub specializes in treating kneecap instability, and now Liam is back to hockey better than ever.
sabrinastrickland.com
Patella (Kneecap) Instability
In the front of the knee the kneecap slides up and down in a groove in the thigh bone. Sometimes it can slip out causing pain, swelling and cartilage injury.
How does it feel?
It can feel unstable and in severe cases it can be difficult to fully extend the knee. Sometimes patients have to go to the ER to get the patella back into the groove. Often these injuries are accompanied by swelling and it can take weeks to months to feel normal again.
How does it happen?
In some patients it happens without any trauma and at a young age. In others it can occur playing sports with or without a contact injury. It can recur especially when it first happens before the age of 25.
How can it be fixed?
In most cases it can be fixed by reconstructing the MPFL (Medial PatelloFemoral Ligament) which is a minimally invasive surgery with a 4-6 month recovery. In patients who have suffered cartilage damage the surgery may be more complicated with the addition of a bone re-aligning surgery such as a tibial tubercle osteotomy and/or a cartilage replacement surgery.

[@petercorrin2414]

After 8 dislocations of my right patella from hockey I finally had MPFL surgery 2.5 weeks ago. At age 53 I’m sure it would have been wise to have done this 15-20 years ago after the 4th time. Recovery is slow but I’m through most of the pain now and working on the ROM and building the muscles back up. Bending at 45-60° now with a bit of pain at 60° and quite tight. Hopefully will be driving in a couple of weeks. Hopefully be able to play golf in a couple of months. We will see if I play hockey again.

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Best wishes with your recovery. Try to bend as much as possible!

[@aakritimishra2501]

one month after the surgery and I came here looking for hope because as rightly mentioned it does take alot of time and patience, the progress is steady but extremely slow and I just want the reassurance that everything will get better...thanks !😊

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

As long as you are making steady progress, you should be okay. Keep in mind, though, that it's hard for me to comment without knowing all of the details.

[@landen12091]

Dr.Strickland - Do you use the hamstring or the qaud tendon as the graft to replace the mpfl? Seems like most use the hamstring, but in my research, the quad tendon is preferred for high level athletes.

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

I always use donor tissue.

[@zetavalentine]

I’m two weeks post op. I’ve had dislocations since age 11, I’ve dislocated my left patella 4 times and right patella 1 time. I’m now 17 the reason I didn’t get surgery earlier is because we always went to a clinic and they never mentioned surgery. But this year Feb while playing at my netball club I had to go to the hospital because it was the closest and the doctor told me if I don’t get this surgery I have a risk of loosing my leg because of how many times it has dislocated.

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

That sounds like a lot to go through. While you wouldn't lose your leg, you are at high risk of arthritis if you continue to suffer from patellar dislocations. I hope you are doing well now.

[@zetavalentine]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD they told me I can lose my leg because they said if I were to not get the surgery and dislocate my knee again I might damage a nerve or blood vessel.

[@Junior.]

hi any updates? nice recovery :)

[@user-ys2ob6ck5x]

@zetavalentine Hi. How do you feel? Hope you and your knee are well? I also think of MPFL plastic

[@Phoenix21555]

I dislocated my right knee at 11 ever since I would have constant subluxations minor dislocations and a few full dislocations. I am now getting surgery in August and I'm hoping it's going to go well

[@benmulchandani9301]

i have this surgery july 27th- i’m super excited because this means i won’t dislocate my patella anymore! i’m trying to see videos of the procedure because i’m super curious to see what exactly the doctor will do for me

[@rashmibhavani5364]

Heyy .. I hope your surgery went well and you are fine..more power to youu❤ :)) You will be just finee 😊

[@JimmyDean-ih7np]

How are you feeling? I’m thinking about discussing this with my doctor

[@benmulchandani9301]

@@JimmyDean-ih7np lots of pain right now, the doctor also found a meniscus tear he fixed as well but recovery is going along nicely so far- not taking any of the hard stuff they gave me!

[@jinxedkodiak4942]

​@@benmulchandani9301hey I had my surgery the same day! Along with a complex meniscus tear they removed! Hope your doing well!! YAY 4 weeks!

[@vigneshj9703]

@@benmulchandani9301hi how are you now, are you able to bend your knee now? Myself jus now done mpfl ligament surgery

[@anjaliswarup6796]

Dr. Strickland- Do you recommend surgery for a 20yr old male (myson( after MPFL tear or physio therapy only.

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Hi there. It totally depends on what the MRI looks like. I'm happy to see him if he is anywhere near NYC. Otherwise, I do offer telehealth visits. Insurance covers telehealth visits in New York and Connecticut. Otherwise, it gets charged through the my Hospital for Special Surgery app, which is where you can schedule it. sabrinastrickland.com/book-an-appointment-dr-sabrina-strickland/

[@andranistor36]

I have the same thing and I need surgery. I play hockey and. I dislocated my patela 9 times to have the surgery now or nex year ?

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

You should be able to play in 4-6 months with the right rehab; consult your surgeon for specific guidance on your situation.

[@badteen]

was there a plaster or just a brace after the surgery ?? thank you

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Just a brace!

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Just a brace.

[@moradhaajou7518]

Dear doctor Strickland. In sept 2023 an idiot hit me in traffic and almost killed me. Result: acl, lcl and a fragment in my fibula came off. First surgery in oct 2023: they put the fragment back + lcl reconstruction. Then i had to train for4 months and a half and then acl in march 2024 because during my pt i had a lot of instability, pain when i walked and also experiencied this weird rubber band feeling when i walked. So acl reconstructed in march. Now i am 4 months into pt and my muscles become stronger and stuff. However... i still have this elastic feeling that starts from my lcl and going to my tibia it seems. And its really annoying and instable when i walk. Have you ever came across such a casus? Here in Belgium we have a very good health care system and doctors but still. It is interesting to ask other surgeons their opinion. Greetings!

[@maciur]

after 2 years i finally got the surgery, hope everything will turn out well

[@mosphere123]

How are you?

[@maciur]

@@mosphere123 It could be better, my kneecap displaced again during running but thankfully nothing was torn and i just have to continue to rehabilitate. Thank you!

[@mosphere123]

@@maciur good luck!!!

[@Junior.]

hi, any updates still? nice recovery :)

[@mehmeteminkotan2192]

I am thinking of getting this surgery but i have some questions before it Can i play football after the surgery if i can how long will it take

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Yes, usually about 5-6 months afterwards.

[@carsonwoolcott4380]

I play hockey and I had dislocated my knee multiple times. Doctors said mpfl. I played on it popping in and out for a few months until I couldn’t stand the pain any longer. I have surgery in a few days and I’m terrified. I’m not sure what to expect or what’s going to happen. But I found this video and it’s comforting that I’m not alone and how Liam and I have a very similar experience. But my question is, after the surgery, at what point am I able to walk around freely or bend my knee to an athletic position? Is it possible to practice things like shooting and stick-handling off ice after a few weeks? Thanks

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Good luck with surgery! I hope everything goes well. The post op protocol really varies by surgeon. I would reach out to them and see what they will permit.

[@ryanboyd8763]

hockey guy here having surgery in a few days, how’s it going now a few months out ?

[@Waxay.]

I have a question.im 17.i have dislocated my left patella 2 times and may have subluxated it once in between thez two times..last time i dislocated my patella was 2 yrs back..recently i went for a checkup as i was experiencing pain in the knee when i played football..the doctor suggested an mpfl reconstruction but my father is hesitant and he says i should carry on without it ..i fell very imbalanced and feel pain usually AFTER playing soccer . I also have knock knees ..how much would the surgery cost in pakistan and how much time would it take to fully play football after surgery ..also will knock knees play any role in complexifying the surgery?

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Yes knock knees might increase risk of failure but it is about 100 percent chance that this will happen again. I have no idea what cost would be in Pakistan and in the US it is typically covered by insurance.

[@Waxay.]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD thanks for the reply..could u plz explain what u meant by it being 100% certain to happen again..😭😭

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Using the information you provided, without surgery, you will continue to have these problems. For this reason, it is worth pursuing with an orthopedic surgeon, even though knock knees increase the risk of failure.

[@Waxay.]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD thanks

[@abulkasem9059]

Hi when I was 6 my right knee cap/ patella dislocated. I'm 23 now, is there a chance that I'll be fine if I have an operation? Also my left knee cap / patella is suddenly moving and coming back to its original position...Hope you can help me by suggesting..

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Hi. Where do you live, can you come see me? Here is information about my office, how to contact my staff, and how to make an appointment online. sabrinastrickland.com/book-an-appointment-dr-sabrina-strickland/

[@abulkasem9059]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD at the moment I live in Libya Tripoli and my hometown is Bangladesh. I'm couldn’t meet with you?

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

@@abulkasem9059 Your best option is to find an experienced patellofemoral surgeon as this is fairly complicated surgery.

[@williambujold4428]

Hi Dr Strickland, I have an upcoming MPFL surgery. How much time will I have to wait until I can skate, not a game or a high intensity skating session, just to skate slowly. Thanks!

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Usually one can skate in four months - if you're strong. Otherwise it may take more time.

[@jochyrod]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD Hi Dr Strickeland, what about for a strong baseball player? Thanks,

[@maciur]

@@jochyrod im not sure about the details but my doctor said that i should wait a year before i can fully engage in sports, im not sure about your situation tho!

[@anndam__]

@@jochyrod as someone got MPFL almost 5 years ago, keep working on your workout to build the legs muscles, strength training, jumping, box jumping, hopping etc at the gym and keep doing rehab or recovery. Normally is 1 year, but full recovery is 18-24 months.

[@elisareyes8371]

@@anndam__ Do you recommend getting this surgery? Have you noticed improvement?

[@shanaebido2488]

Hello I'm 4 weeks post op but there is swelling still and I cannot bend my knee well. It was stiff and has tension

[@bellafraser9762]

How is ur knee now? I’m the exact same at the moment

[@mosphere123]

How are you?

[@sriking5990]

How much does this cost in India🤔

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

This is not something I can answer. Even if you were in the United States, it's a difficult question as insurance providers vary.

[@sriking5990]

What would be an approximate price

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

I don't have any pricing insights for Indian; I suggest you ask a local surgeon. @@sriking5990

[@tinypuff6199]

My surgery is tomorrow

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

I hope the surgery went well!

[@tinypuff6199]

@@SabrinaStricklandMD thank you! So far so good. Done to fix a repair that was done years ago when I was a child.

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

@@tinypuff6199 glad to hear it's going well!

[@jayspacelyfr]

8 days post opp this shh hurts lol

[@BrandonArnold-ep3dz]

Just over 4 weeks post opp myself and the pain has definitely started to drop. Some days better than others but overall it’s bearable. I’m back to doing mostly everything I was doing before the injury besides being able to jump or sprint. Part of the reason of that is also bc I’m told not to do it yet but i currently am able to do a slow jog and do some yard work here and there. I had some fractures and the ligament literally pulled a piece of my knee apart when i dislocated it so I’m sure you’ll recover sooner than later. Goodluck!

[@SabrinaStricklandMD]

Best wishes for a successful recovery! Be patient - this isn't a fast process. Follow your surgeon's guidelines and you should do well.