The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a ligament that stabilises the knee. It makes up part of the soft tissue in the knee joint, attaching to the underside of the patella and the femur bone. Damage to the MPFL can occur when kneecap is dislocated or fractured, with the common causes being a sporting injury or fall. When this happens, the kneecap can become loose as it can no longer be held in the groove at the end of the thigh bone.
Reviewed byProfessor Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDCartilage and joint preservation expertise
The MPFL is a key stabiliser that helps keep the kneecap tracking correctly. Repeated dislocation, persistent instability, or associated cartilage injury can indicate the need for surgical treatment.
Depending on tissue quality and anatomy, treatment may involve repair, reconstruction, or a combined stabilisation strategy.
Specialist MPFL treatment aims to restore kneecap stability, reduce recurrent dislocation risk, and protect the joint surface from repeated trauma.
Our goal is not only symptom relief, but durable patellofemoral stability and a safe return to daily activity and sport.
You may have more options than you think
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Most patients will be able to return home the same day of the surgery. However, you will experience difficulty bending the knee which is likely to be accompanied by swelling of the knee.
It depends on what the medication is. You will need to notify your surgeon if you are on warfin or clopidogrel, but it is worth asking their advice for other medications also. They will then advise accordingly ahead of the procedure.
If it’s your first kneecap dislocation, there is a chance that physiotherapy will prove to be an effective treatment option. However, if your patella has dislocated multiple times before, you will continue to experience joint pain and discomfort if left untreated. MPFL damage can also lead to complications with arthritis.
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