Treatment of recurrent patellar instability with a modification of the Roux-Goldthwait technique

Recurrent instability of the patella may be a significant disability in the childhood and adolescent population. Numerous surgical procedures to address this instability have been described, with variable outcome. This has led to considerable confusion in the literature as to how to treat patellofemoral problems in children. This study retrospectively reviews 30 knees in 20 patients with chronic recurrent patellar instability who were treated with a modified Roux-Goldthwait technique including the release of contracted lateral structures by a single surgeon over a 13-year period, with an average of 6.2 years follow-up. By Insall's criteria, 26 knees had an excellent result, 3 good result, and 1 fair result. Ten patients evaluated using a dynamometer showed that strength achieved in the operated leg was greater than 90% in 8 patients and greater than 80% in 2 patients. Here, we report upon a single operation to treat patellar instability performed in the pediatric population with consistently excellent results.