[Treatment of the relapsing dislocation of the patella (author's transl)]

From 1970-1977, twenty-five patients were given surgical treatment for relapsing dislocation of the patella. The mean age of the patients was 22 years. The case material consisted of 18 female and 7 male patients. The average frequency rate of dislocation was three to fifteen times. (Reported from the BB-Accident Hospital Tübingen). The combined surgical method with gracilis muscle restraint described by Krogius, was used in this clinic in view of its traditionally successful application. Additional antepositioning of the patella according to Bandi was effected in intraoperatively discovered retropatellar arthrosis. Relapses of dislocation were reported in two cases. Good postoperative results were obtained in 14 patients, satisfactory results in 5 patients, and an unsatisfactory outcome in three patients. Redislocation was reported twice. Since this disease occurs preferably in juveniles, surgical treatment to prevent further dislocations should be effected well in time to avoid early retropatellar arthrosis. Since dislocations of the patella are frequently adjusted spontaneously without any treatment, critical and detailed anamnesis is imperative in every patient with a distorted knee joint.