[Patella dislocation. Therapeutic principles and prevention of late complications]

In this review we have compared the different kinds of treatment of acute dislocation of the patella regarding the effects and the complications. The literature describes a variety of treatments and no standard treatment exists. Most studies are not randomised prospective studies and the follow-up period is often short. We conclude that there is a need for randomised, prospective studies with a large number of patients and with a long follow-up period in order to find the best kind of treatment. Treatment modalities for acute as well as recurrent dislocation are described in the general section of the review. In order to achieve the best results and decrease the number of complications it is necessary to have a clear diagnosis of APD and knowledge of predisposing factors.