daily answre

[Scott Rand]

Which of the following structures is the primary static stabilizer for preventing lateral subluxation of the patella?

A.      medial patellofemoral ligament

B.      vastus medialis obliquus (VMO)

C.      medial patellotibial ligament

D.      superficial oblique retinaculum

Correct: A

Investigations to determine the soft tissue restraints to lateral subluxation of the patella identified the patello-femoral ligament as the primary stabilizer.  At 20 degrees of flexion, the PFL contributed 60% of the total restraining force, while the patello-meniscal ligament and lateral retinaculum contributed 13% and 10%, respectively.

The medial patellotibial ligament and superficial fibers of the medial retinaculum were not found to be functionally important in preventing lateral subluxation.

 

1.       Bicos J, et al.  The medial patellofemoral ligament.  Am J Sports Med  2007; 35:  484-492.

2.       Burks RT, et al., Biomechanical evaluation of lateral patellar dislocations. Am J Knee Surg., 1998 Winter; 11 (1):24 -31

3.       Desio SM, et al., Soft tissue restraints to lateral patellar translation in the human knee, Am J Sports Med, 1998, Jan – Feb; 26 (1): 59  - 61

 

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Scott E Rand, MD  FAAFP CAQSM

Director, Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship

Co Director of Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Willowbrook

Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine  Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Texas A&M University

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine in Clinical Medicine  Weill Cornell Medical College.

13802 Centerfield Dr  Suite 300

Houston, TX  77070