Recurrence after patellar dislocation. Redislocation in 37/75 patients followed for 6-24 years

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Patellar dislocation is a common knee injury, particularly in young, active individuals.
• Recurrence rates vary, and the long-term consequences on function are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of patients treated for primary unilateral acute patellar dislocation.
• To identify factors predicting recurrent dislocations and their impact on functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 75 patients with primary unilateral acute patellar dislocation underwent closed treatment.
• Long-term follow-up (median 11 years) included clinical assessment, radiography, and isokinetic thigh muscle performance testing.
• Recurrence of dislocation was recorded, and predictive factors were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 37 out of 75 patients experienced recurrent patellar dislocations during follow-up.
• Despite recurrence, functional outcomes and isokinetic thigh muscle performance were similar between patients with and without recurrent dislocations.
• Radiographically unstable patellar morphology, spontaneous reduction, and low hemarthrosis volume were identified as predictors of recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Recurrent patellar dislocations do not appear to significantly impair long-term functional outcomes or muscle performance.
• Radiographic assessment of patellar morphology and evaluation of initial injury characteristics are crucial for predicting recurrence risk.