Management of traumatic patellar dislocation in a regional hospital in Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION

The role of surgery for acute patellar dislocation without osteochondral fracture is controversial. The aim of this study was to report the short-term results of management of patellar dislocation in our institute.

METHODS

Patients who were seen in our institution with patella dislocation from January 2011 to April 2014 were managed according to a standardised management algorithm. Pretreatment and 1-year post-treatment International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner activity level scale score, and presence of apprehension sign were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were studied of whom 20 were first-time dislocators and 21 were recurrent dislocators. Among the first-time dislocators, there was a significant difference between patients who received conservative treatment versus surgical management. The conservative treatment group had a 33% recurrent dislocation rate, whereas there were no recurrent dislocations in the surgery group. There was no difference in Tegner activity level scale score or apprehension sign before and 1 year after treatment, however. Among the recurrent dislocators, there was a significant difference between those who received conservative treatment and those who underwent surgery. The recurrent dislocation rate was 71% in the conservative treatment group versus 0% in the surgery group. There was also significant improvement in International Knee Documentation Committee score from 67.7 to 80.0 (P=0.02), and of apprehension sign from 62% to 0% (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A management algorithm for patellar dislocation is described. Surgery is preferable to conservative treatment in patients who have recurrent patellar dislocation, and may also be preferable for those who have an acute dislocation.