Patellofemoral Dislocation Recurrence After a First Episode: A Case-Control Study

Lateral patellar dislocation can become a recurrent problem after the first episode. Identifying those patients who are at increased risk of redislocation is important for the treatment decision-making process.

To identify clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrence of patellar dislocation after a first episode.

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

The study included patients with lateral patellar dislocation and a 1-year minimum follow-up who were seen between 2011 and 2018. Patients aged 10 to 65 years were included. Patient characteristics, physical examination (patellar apprehension, J sign), and radiographs were reviewed. The Caton-Deschamps and Insall-Salvati ratios were used to evaluate patella alta. High-grade trochlear dysplasia was defined as Dejour types B, C, and D.

A total of 130 patients (139 knees) with primary lateral patellar dislocation were included. Recurrent dislocation was seen in 83 knees (59.71%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Caton-Deschamps ratio ≥1.15 (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.09-5.22; P = .029), age <21 years (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.11-5.77; P = .027), and high-grade trochlear dysplasia (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.90-9.17; P < .001) were significantly associated with patellar redislocation. Based on the presence of these factors, the probability of dislocation after a first lateral patellar dislocation was 31.2% with no factors present, 36.6% with any 1 factor present, 71.7% with any 2 factors present, and 86.2% if all 3 conditions were present.

The results of this study indicated that patella alta, high-grade trochlear dysplasia, and age <21 years were independent risk factors for patellar redislocation after a first episode, with an additive effect when they were present together. This may help to guide the type of treatment for these patients.