Does Ligamentous Laxity Protect Against Chondral Injury in Patients with Patellofemoral Instability

Objectives:Hypermobility may be a risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries during sports participation. However, we have seen a low incidence of chondral injuries requiring treatment in patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellofemoral instability. It is unknown if patients with ligamentous laxity, who are at an increased risk for patellofemoral instability, are somewhat protected from chondral injury. We hypothesize in patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability, patients with ligamentous laxity will be less likely to have chondral defects requiring surgical intervention.Methods:171 patients (32 male, 139 female) average age 22 years (range 11-57) with patellofemoral instability were rated with the Beighton-Horan (BH) scale for constitutional ligamentous laxity (0-9). Preoperative MRIs were evaluated (chondral injury present/absent, size of chondral injury, Outerbridge grade) and intra-operative arthroscopic findings noted (chondral inj...