Habitual Patellar Dislocation-Management by Two in One Procedure, Short Term Results.

Abstract

Habitual dislocation of patella is an uncommon pathological condition. Though numerous techniques have been described in the literature for the treatment of patellar dislocations, none of the single procedure is fully effective in the surgical treatment of habitual dislocation of patella. We described our experience with a two in one procedure for habitual dislocation of patella in ten children. Ten children having habitual dislocation were reviewed prospectively for twelve months following surgical procedure. The age ranged between 5 and 9years. We performed graded lateral soft tissue release and patellar tendon transposition as described by Roux Goldthwait. Clinical results were evaluated using Kujala score, ability to do straight leg raise, knee range of motion and visual analogue scale. There has been no recurrence of dislocation. The mean Kujala score before surgery was 48 which improved to 97.8 at 12months follow-up after the surgical procedure. At 12months follow-up all patients were able to do straight leg raise and had almost full range of motion. We conclude that extensive proximal lateral release along with Goldthwait Roux procedure helps in treating the habitual dislocation in patella in children. Decision for the extent of lateral release must be taken intra-operatively. Our method of treatment is simple, cost effective and reproducible with excellent functional outcome.