Surgical Treatment of Primary Traumatic Patellar Dislocations

Traumatic patellar dislocation is an injury that can predispose an individual to recurrent instability, chronic pain, and loss of function. These injuries are usually associated with disruption of the medial patellofemoral ligament and often have osteochondral lesions present. We feel that restoration of the normal anatomy will provide the best chance for return to full function. Therefore, in some patients, there may be a role for treatment of acute traumatic patellar dislocations surgically, with an emphasis on repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament and open reduction and internal fixation of associated osteochondral lesions.