MPFL reconstruction stabilizes the kneecap by rebuilding the torn ligament that keeps it centered. Find the right surgeon who fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.
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Informational purposes only, not medical or legal advice. Please consult your doctor or surgeon.
MPFL reconstruction (Medial Patellofemoral Ligament reconstruction) is a surgery for the knee that stops the kneecap (patella) from dislocating. It works by replacing a torn ligament with a new, strong piece of tissue (a graft) to hold the kneecap in its proper groove.
Think of the kneecap resting in a groove at the end of your thigh bone. The MPFL acts like a strong leash on the inside of the knee, keeping the kneecap from sliding too far to the outside. If you suffer a severe twisting injury or a direct hit, the kneecap can pop out of place (dislocate), tearing this leash. Once the MPFL is torn, the kneecap often keeps sliding out easily, causing knee pain, swelling, and a feeling that your knee cannot be trusted to hold your weight.
Why do it? When clinical exams and MRI findings show a torn MPFL and you suffer from recurrent kneecap dislocations, surgery restores stability. This prevents further damage to the cartilage behind the kneecap and lets you confidently return to sports and daily life.
Public wait lists for orthopaedic consults, MRIs, and OR time can be long—especially for knee instability that isn't considered an absolute emergency. Private centres can sometimes line up assessment and surgery in weeks rather than months. This cuts down the time spent living in fear of your knee giving out, relying on bulky braces, or missing out on sports and active living.
Going private can let you:
You know who’s operating, when it’s happening, and what surgical technique they’ll use. Predictable dates make it easier to arrange time off, travel, and the crucial post‑op physiotherapy.
Private pathways may offer streamlined imaging, advanced surgical tools, and coordinated anaesthesia/pain/physio plans—with virtual follow‑ups if you live far away.
Typical MPFL reconstruction often takes about 1 to 1.5 hours of operating time. Add time at the centre for check‑in, anaesthesia, and recovery (usually a few extra hours). Cases that involve other procedures (like moving the bone where the patellar tendon attaches) will take longer.
You meet the team, confirm the correct knee, review imaging, and go over the plan. Safety checks are done (including marking the leg).
Usually general anaesthesia (you’re fully asleep). The team often uses a regional nerve block to numb the leg and help control pain after you wake up.
You’re positioned on your back. The leg is cleaned and draped sterilely. A tourniquet is often used on the thigh to minimize bleeding.
The surgeon makes small incisions on the inside of the kneecap and the inner thigh. They may also use an arthroscope (a small camera) to look inside the knee joint and clean up any loose cartilage.
If using your own tissue, a small strip of your hamstring tendon is harvested. If using a donor graft, it is prepared to the correct length and thickness.
The surgeon drills small sockets into the inner edge of the kneecap and the thigh bone. The graft is anchored securely into these holes using small screws or buttons, creating the new ligament.
The surgeon bends and straightens your knee to ensure the kneecap glides smoothly in its groove and the new ligament has perfect tension (not too tight, not too loose).
Layers of tissue and skin are closed with stitches or staples. A sterile dressing is applied, and your leg is placed in a locked, hinged knee brace.
You recover in the post‑anaesthesia care unit, receive wound‑care, brace, and crutch instructions. Almost all patients go home the same day.
Every knee is different—follow your surgeon’s plan. Steady, smart progress with a physiotherapist beats pushing too hard.
Reality check:
Knee swelling, stiffness, and aching are common. The nerve block will wear off in a day or two, which can cause a temporary spike in pain.
Goals: Control pain and swelling, protect the new graft, and walk safely with crutches.
Activities: Keep the leg elevated above your heart and ice frequently. You will wear a hinged knee brace locked straight. Follow your surgeon's specific rules on whether you can put weight on the leg.
Still annoying but improving.
Goals: Reduce swelling, wake up the thigh muscles (quadriceps), and slowly regain bending.
Activities: Your surgeon will usually unlock your brace to allow a safe amount of bending. Start prescribed physio. Focus heavily on straight-leg raises to strengthen the quads. You may transition to one crutch or no crutches as cleared. Stitches are removed if needed.
The work phase.
Goals: Walk without a limp, improve bending (range of motion), and build muscle safely.
Activities: The bulky surgical brace is often swapped for a lighter sleeve brace. You can usually start using an upright stationary bike. Continue closed-chain strengthening (like gentle leg presses) with your physio. Avoid deep squats or pivoting.
Confidence building.
Goals: Near‑normal daily activity; gradual fitness recovery.
Activities: Progress strengthening and mobility. The knee should feel much more stable, though you are still building the muscle lost during recovery. Light jogging may begin toward the end of this phase if cleared.
Back to most normal life.
Goals: Return to usual routines; work/sport‑specific training.
Activities: Add impact, jumping, and agility drills only with explicit clearance from your surgeon and physio. Full return to cutting and pivoting sports (like soccer or basketball) usually happens around the 6 to 9-month mark.
Exact prices depend on the complexity of the case, the type of graft used (donor tissue usually adds cost), the specific hardware (anchors/screws), and where you have it done. Always ask for a written, itemized quote.
Typical range: $10,000 - $24,000+
Note: If additional procedures are needed (like realigning the shin bone—a tibial tubercle osteotomy), the cost will be significantly higher.
Typical range: CA$20,000 - CA$45,000+
Ask if it’s a global bundle and request line items for: surgeon, facility, anaesthesia, implants/grafts (device cost), imaging, follow‑ups, and what triggers extra charges (e.g., if they need to clean up damaged cartilage while they are in the knee).
Choosing your surgeon is a major benefit of pursuing private surgery. Here’s how to choose wisely for an MPFL (Medial Patellofemoral Ligament) reconstruction.
Ask how many MPFL reconstructions they perform each year.
MPFL surgery has a steep learning curve and is highly “precision-dependent” because:
Also ask about their case mix:
For a more in-depth guide read, How to Understand Surgeon Credentials in Canada
Request recent data, ideally for MPFL cases specifically:
Make sure they confirm you’re a good candidate for MPFL reconstruction.
A careful surgeon should explicitly assess:
They should also compare MPFL surgery to:
Ask:
Imaging and planning (must be thorough)
Good programs use imaging to confirm candidacy:
Choose accredited centres (e.g., Accreditation Canada / CAAASF) with:
You want a written plan for:
Request an itemized quote including:
Clarify add-ons:
Surgeon and plan
Technique and safety
Recovery and after-care
Costs and logistics
MPFL reconstruction is a specific solution for chronic kneecap instability. It is right for patients who need to restore trust in their knee and prevent further joint damage after repeated dislocations.
No, you do not need a referral for a private MPFL reconstruction in Canada. You can book a consultation directly with a surgeon, and they will review your options and diagnostics.
Your situation depends on how often the kneecap dislocates, your activity level, and whether there is existing damage inside the joint.
Progressive cartilage damage (Patellofemoral Arthritis)
Osteochondral fractures (Loose bodies)
Compensatory knee and muscle problems
Your personal risk depends on your anatomy, the type of graft used, and your general health. Discuss your specific risks with your surgeon.
Your surgeon’s instructions come first—follow their plan if it differs.
Learn "knee-smart" moves
Quit nicotine
Medication review
Safe layout
Bed and leg support
Bath setup
Clothing (Important for Knee Braces)
Meal prep
Constipation plan
Skin prep
What to bring
Practice ahead
If you still have questions, then feel free to contact us directly.
Please note: Surgency is not a clinic itself. Nor can we help with emergency situations, or provide personalized medical advice—that is between you and your surgeon. If you are experiencing acute or severe symptoms, please present to your local emergency department or urgent care centre.
Experienced orthopedic surgeon known for a patient-centred approach and technical versatility, ranging from soft tissue repair (sports medicine) to total joint replacements (knee, shoulder, hip).
