Editorial Commentary: Risk Stratification Is the New "Standard of Care" Following First-Time Patellar Dislocation

The standard of care for a first-time patellar dislocation without loose bodies or osteochondral fracture has been nonoperative treatment. However, studies that show high recurrent instability rates and low levels of return to unlimited activity have opened the door to consider early surgical stabilization in high-risk individuals. Risk stratification models have been developed to identify those at highest risk of recurrent dislocation. Although the decision to operate on patients with a first-time dislocation remains controversial, surgeons should at the very least use readily available information to counsel patients regarding their relative risk of recurrence.