Non traumatic dislocation of the patella in children: the case for a dysplastic aetiology

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Genetics

Background:

• Congenital dislocation of the patella is a complex condition with diverse underlying causes.
• Existing terminology may not accurately reflect the spectrum of etiologies, including congenital and acquired factors.
• Identifying risk factors for irreducible patellar dislocation in infancy is crucial.

Observation:

• Three case studies illustrate the varied presentations and potential genotypes of patellar dislocation.
• The condition exhibits a spectrum of etiologies, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
• A common underlying pathology exists despite varied risk factors and onset.

Findings:

• The term 'congenital' may be inappropriate due to the range of causes.
• Developmental dysplasia and dislocation of the patella (DDDP) is proposed as a more accurate descriptor.
• Risk factors predicting irreducible patellar dislocation in infancy have been identified.

Implications:

• Adopting the term DDDP can improve diagnostic accuracy and communication.
• Understanding the spectrum of causes aids in tailored treatment strategies.
• Early identification of risk factors can lead to timely interventions for infants.