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Chondral and osteochondral injuries associated with acute patellar dislocation
Eiki Nomura1, Motoyasu Inoue, Makoto Kurimura
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan. edk-nomura@spn1.speednet.ne.jp
Summary
Articular cartilage injuries are very common after acute patellar dislocation, with 95% of patients experiencing them. Most injuries affect the patella and include cracks or defects from fractures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Acute patellar dislocation is a common knee injury.
- Understanding associated articular cartilage damage is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and specific pathology of articular cartilage injuries following acute patellar dislocation.
Main Methods:
- A case series design was employed.
- Articular cartilage injuries were evaluated in 39 consecutive knees with initial lateral patellar dislocation via arthroscopy or macroscopic observation.
Main Results:
- 95% of knees (37/39) exhibited articular cartilage injuries within the patellofemoral joint.
- Patellar injuries were present in all affected knees, categorized as cracks alone (9), cartilage defects from fractures (7), or combined defects (21).
- Osteochondral fractures predominantly occurred on the medial facet, while cracks were central.
Conclusions:
- Articular cartilage injuries are highly prevalent after acute patellar dislocation, particularly involving the patella.
- A classification system for patellar chondral and osteochondral injuries was established based on observed patterns.