[Recurrent dislocation of the patella--arthroscopic therapy]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Recurrent patella dislocation significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for persistent patellar instability.
• Evaluating novel surgical techniques is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a specific surgical technique for recurrent patella dislocation.
• To assess the outcomes of arthroscopic lateral release combined with medial percutaneous raphe using absorbable sutures.

Main Methods:

• 19 cases of recurrent patella dislocation in 16 patients were treated.
• The surgical technique involved arthroscopic lateral release and medial percutaneous raphe with PDS sutures.
• Postoperative care included rigid and hinged orthosis, followed by physiotherapy and gradual weight-bearing.

Main Results:

• 90% of patients reported very good or good outcomes post-surgery.
• One recurrence of dislocation and one case of aggravated pain due to degenerative damage were noted.
• 80% of patients showed chondral lesions, correlating with the number of prior dislocations.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic lateral release and medial raphe is a highly effective surgical technique for recurrent patella dislocation.
• This combined approach offers benefits including minimal complications, reduced recovery time, and good cosmetic results.
• Accurate surgical technique and diligent physical therapy are essential for optimal outcomes, with contraindications including severe degenerative changes and significant knee instability.