Late results of Hauser procedure for recurrent dislocation of the patella

To determine whether the Hauser procedure for recurrent dislocation of the patella prevents repeated dislocation and provides a functional knee without late degenerative arthritis, 52 patients with 67 surgically treated knees were studied clinically and roentgenographically with an average follow-up of 17.1 years. Greater than 70% of patients had an excellent or good result up to as long as 30 years postoperatively. There appeared to be no predisposition to the development of degenerative arthritis. Recurrent dislocation persisted in 7% of cases and female patients with generalized ligamentous laxity had a high incidence of persistant, recurrent dislocation and poorer long-term results. Development of genu recurvatum is a definite risk in patients who have tibial tubercle transfer prior to epiphyseal plate closure.