It originates in the superomedial aspect of the patella and inserts in the space between the adductor tubercle and the medial femoral epicondyle.

From the origin, it moves anteriorly, and combines with the deep portion of the vastus medialus oblique, inserting to the superomedial side of the patella, creating greater stability in the joint.

[1] The MPFL is the primary stabilizer to lateral displacement of the patella providing approximately 50–60% of restraining force.

Recurrence of a laterally displaced patella is more common as the incidence of dislocation continues in the affected individual.

Once damaged, there is increased risk of patellofemoral arthritis, which is significantly more difficult to treat than the initial tear.

[6] For nonsurgical treatment of the MPFL, the knee must not have any loose pieces of soft tissue, cartilage, or bone within it.

Physical therapy is often prescribed as a nonsurgical treatment of a tear, in which functional rehabilitation and range of motion exercises that focus primarily on the hips, gluteal muscles, and quadriceps are used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee.

[7] During surgery, patients are given regional anesthesia and a nerve block in the spinal cord that numbs the lower half of the body, and an IV for sedation.

Formerly, children were placed in a brace after the procedure, but this practice increased the risk of more dislocations before skeletal maturity and is no longer used.

[6] Rehabilitation for an MPFL repair usually involves physical therapy, with the initial recovery time being 4–7 months.