[Treatment of patellar instability].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• First-time patellar luxation (dislocation) is prevalent in adolescents and young adults under 16, occurring at 45/100,000/year.
• Initial treatment involves limited mobility and physiotherapy, but risk factors like patellofemoral dysplasia and hyperlaxity contribute to instability.
• Recurrent patellar instability necessitates surgical correction to restore medial patellar stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the epidemiology and risk factors of patellar luxation.
• To describe current treatment strategies for both first-time and recurrent patellar luxation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical interventions for patellar instability.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on patellar luxation incidence.
• Description of conservative management protocols (bandaging, physiotherapy).
• Overview of surgical techniques including medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, tibial tuberosity osteotomy, and trochleoplasty.

Main Results:

• Patellar luxation primarily affects individuals under 16 years.
• Conservative treatment is indicated for initial episodes, while surgery is reserved for recurrent cases.
• Surgical reconstructions demonstrate high success rates with a low (few percent) rate of re-luxation.

Conclusions:

• Patellar luxation is a significant issue in young populations, with identifiable risk factors.
• Surgical management, particularly medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and corrective osteotomies, effectively addresses recurrent patellar instability.
• Current surgical approaches offer a high success rate, minimizing the risk of further dislocations.