Patella Dislocation.

Abstract

In brief Whenever a patient has a patella dislocation, osteochondral fractures should be considered. A case study involving a 17-year-old swimmer whose knee was injured playing baseball details a patella dislocation that was accompanied by a defect of the medial patellar facet and a lateral impaction lesion of the lateral femoral gutter-both producing loose bodies. Careful physical examination and a radiographic series that includes anteroposterior, lateral, notch, and sunrise patella views assist in making an accurate diagnosis and guide the clinician to the appropriate treatment. Treatment involves a knee stabilizer followed by aggressive quadriceps strengthening. Loose bodies require arthroscopic surgery.