Background: This study aimed to review the data available in the current literature concerning the complications and recurrence of instability following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellar instability in young and adolescent patients (those <20 years old). Methods: A systematic review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The terms “medial patellofemoral ligament” or “MPFL” and “reconstruction” and “young” or “adolescents” or “children” were used. The inclusion criteria for the literature review comprised studies that reported the complications and recurrences of instability in patients who had undergone MPFL reconstruction for patellar instability. Results: In all, 332 patients were included in the review, of which 195 were females (63.5%) and 112 were males (36.5%), and they totaled 352 treated knees. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 14.28 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 30.17 months. A total of 16 (4.5%) complications were reported: one (0.3%) patella fracture, one (0.3%) screw removal due to intolerance, one (0.3%) infection, five (1.4%) wound complications, six (1.7%) subluxations and two (0.6%) instances of post-operative stiffness. A total of 18 (5.1%) recurrences of patellar instability were recorded. Conclusions: MPFL reconstruction in young patients can be considered an effective and safe treatment leading to clinical improvement in terms of recurrence of dislocation. No major complications related to the technique were reported, but a high level of research evidence is required to better evaluate the clinical results in a long-term follow-up.

To evaluate the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) for primary and definitive fixation of open supracondylar–intracondylar femoral (SIF) fractures. Retrospective. Level I trauma center. Subset of 20 SIF open fractures treated with TSF extracted from a consecutive series of 80 SIF fractures treated between 2007 and 2013. Eighteen (90%) fractures underwent definitive fixation with the TSF; 2 were treated primarily within 24 hours of injury. Mean time interval between primary treatment and secondary TSF was 5 days. Clinical and radiological. Complete union was obtained in 17 (85%) fractures without additional surgery at an average of 33 weeks. Three nonunions and 1 malunion occurred. No deep infection occurred. Results based on Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria: 37% excellent, and 63% good for bone outcomes; 5% excellent, 58% good, and 37% fair for functional outcomes. Neer knee scores were 21% excellent, 68% good, and 11% fair. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and anatomic posterior distal femoral angle values were within normal range in 80% and 90% of patients, respectively. Abnormal mechanical axis deviation was observed in 4 (20%) cases (2 had associated tibia fractures). Primary and definitive fixation with the TSF are effective. Advantages include continuity of device until union, reduced risk of infection, early mobilization, restoration of primary defect caused by bone loss, easy and accurate application, convertibility and versatility, and improved union rate and range of motion for SIF open fractures. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.