The effect of gender, body mass index, and patellar mobility on knee function in individuals who underwent medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction surgery

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is quite important for the knee complex and provides lateral stabilization of the knee. Although there are various injury mechanisms, it is frequently injured as a result of patellar dislocation. Since repair of this ligament is important for knee stabilization, reconstructive surgery has become common in recent years. There are various graft types and different surgical techniques used in surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI), gender, and patellar mobility values in individuals who underwent medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction on their functionality. Patients were evaluated using a patient assessment questionnaire prepared by the researcher, which included demographic and surgical information, and the Lysholm Knee Score, 2000 IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Tegner Activity Level Scale, and Kujala Patellofemoral Score for knee joint function. Participants' patellar mobility and patellar apprehension test results were recorded. In addition, pain in the knee joint during resisted knee extension was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. No statistically significant difference was found between genders in terms of functional scores. Participants' high BMI values caused lower scores, particularly in the Lysholm and Kujala scores. As the lateral patellar glide value increased, the IKDC and Kujala scores decreased in individuals who underwent surgery on the non-dominant side. Individuals with a positive patellar apprehension test showed a significant decrease in Kujala and Lysholm questionnaire scores. Although all functional scores were higher in individuals who underwent postoperative rehabilitation, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The results of this study are considered important in revealing the effect of differences in gender, Body Mass Index and patellar mobility values in individuals who have undergone medial patellofemoral reconstruction surgery on the individual's functionality.