Acute patellar dislocations

Abstract

Of 27 patients sustaining primary patellar dislocations, 20 were treated with immobilization and subsequent physiotherapy (including nine patients who underwent arthrosocoy) and seven with immediate surgical stabi lization and lateral release. The patients with predis posing factors such as patellofemoral malalignment, abnormal patellar configuration, and a history of prior symptoms of instability were more prone to recurrent dislocation and may benefit from operative intervention. Although the incidence of recurrence among those individuals can be decreased, at least 30% to 50% of all patients having sustained a primary patellar dislo cation will continue to have symptoms of instability and/ or anterior knee pain.