Clinical Research Studies

Recurrent lateral patellar instability affects a young active population, resulting in significant morbidity and loss of function. Little data exists regarding which patients are likely to be successful with an isolated MPFL reconstruction versus which patients are at high risk of failure of an isolated MPFL and would do better with concomitant bony correction at the index operation. The JUPITER group consists of high-volume patellofemoral surgeons across the United States, and was organized to facilitate the collection of clinical and radiographic outcomes following surgical and non-surgical treatment of patellar instability. With the proposed work (JUPITER 4.0), the group aims to prospectively enroll a new cohort of consecutive patients with recurrent patellar instability that would undergo isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of radiographic measurements or anatomic risk factors to address two specific aims - 1) what patient, injury, and surgical factors lead to recurrent instability and poor 2-year PROs (Pedi-IKDC, Kujala, KOOS 12, HSS Pedi-FABS, BPII 2.0, PROMIS 25, PROMIS 29) following isolated MPFL reconstruction and 2) the creation of an instability severity index score, with the long-term objective of identifying preoperatively, patients with a high risk of failure of an isolated MPFL reconstruction who may be better served with concomitant bony procedure.