Understanding what to expect and how to prepare for an MPFL reconstruction empowers you through each stage, minimizing stress and improving outcomes.
There are essentially two categories of patients who undergo an MPFL reconstruction or related surgery.
Acute Dislocation with an Osteochondral Fragment
There are those patients who have an acute dislocation with an osteochondral fragment (a piece of cartilage off), and in these cases, it’s fairly urgent to take them to the operating room as often their knee is locked and they have difficulty weight-bearing. (This surgery may involve fragment fixation/removal, and not always require an MPFL reconstruction.)
In these cases, it’s best to manage pain and swelling and try to get to the operating room as soon as possible. If possible, you may do gentle quad sets and gentle range of motion activities. Stay off the affected leg, use crutches as directed, and apply ice to help minimize swelling. Always notify your care team if you experience increasing pain, fevers, or new symptoms.
Chronic Instability
In patients with chronic instability (the primary group for elective MPFL reconstruction), preparation is key to a smoother surgery and recovery. Ideally, you prepare for surgery by:
- Finding a good physical therapist who you trust and enjoy working with.
- Familiarizing yourself with the planned rehab protocol.
- Doing a home exercise program to ensure that you have full range of motion and good quad and hip strength.
Proactive “prehab” with your physical therapist, focusing on building quadriceps, hip, and core strength, may shorten your post-op recovery and reduce risk of stiffness. I recommend finding physical therapists with expertise in knees or sports medicine. Ask about their experience with MPFL reconstruction to ensure optimal guidance and care, both before and after surgery.
Additional Steps to Prepare for an MPFL Reconstruction
Medical Evaluation and Imaging
Before surgery, ensure all required preoperative imaging (MRI or X-rays) is complete so your provider can assess your injury accurately and identify any complicating factors. Bring any images to the surgical center, or confirm that they’ve been uploaded in advance.
Learn more about knee imaging from AAOS
Medication and Supplement Review
Discuss your current medications and supplements with your orthopedic surgeon. You may need to stop taking some drugs, including anti-inflammatories and blood thinners, before your procedure. Bring an up-to-date medication list to your pre-op visit.
Hospital for Special Surgery: Preparing for Surgery
Plan for Postoperative Support
Arrange transportation to and from the hospital and prepare your home for limited mobility. Store essentials at an accessible height, clear walkways, and consider a firm chair for easy sitting and standing. Enlist help from family or friends to assist with meals, errands, or childcare during the first week after surgery.
OrthoInfo: Recovery after Surgery
Local Physical Therapy Resources
Find a PT clinic specializing in sports medicine or knee rehab.
ChoosePT may help you find one near you.
Pre-Surgery Checklist Download
Use a checklist to keep track of appointments, medications, and home prep.
Download helpful guides and forms.
Pre-Op Exercise Videos
Follow instructional videos for quad sets, hip strengthening, and gentle range-of-motion work to maximize your knee’s readiness.
HSS Knee Exercise Library
Practical Day-of and Pre-Op Visit Tips
On surgery day, wear loose clothes and bring identification, insurance details, and your medication list. For appointments, consider a notebook for instructions and questions.
For more information, read how long MPFL recovery takes and this overview of MPFL reconstruction surgery.
Make Sure You Prepare for an MPFL Construction
Although knee surgery and recovery can be challenging, if you take the time to prepare for an MPFL reconstruction and and are committed to open communication with your healthcare team, you will be set up for the best possible outcome. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a surgical consultation or get a second opinion. With the right support and resources, a full return to activity is an attainable goal.
Hear from one of my patients about his MPFL reconstruction:
Photo by Imani Bahati on Unsplash