A simple procedure of using a Smillie knife to release the lateral patellar retinaculum and the capsule in the unstable patella syndrome is described. The syndrome includes recurrent dislocation, recurrent subluxation and acute dislocation of the patella. Arthroscopy, to exclude any other pathology such as chondromalacia patellae, is performed before proceeding to closed lateral release. The re...

Hypoplasia of the ischiopubic region is described in four patients. An adolescent was referred for spinal dysraphism and scoliosis, another one for bilateral aplasia of the patella and scoliosis, and finally two children were treated for congenital dislocation of the hip. The osseous malformation of the ischiopubic bones was not associated with any other intrapelvic disorders, and remained unch...

Recurrent dislocation of the patella probably has several causes. In many patients abnormal laxity of the knee is present and this may predispose to dislocation (Dc Palma 1954). A family has come to our notice in which three members suffered recurrent dislocation of the patella and a fourth had probably sustained a single dislocation. All the former had abnormally lax knees and most other joint...

Congenital habitual patellar dislocation is a rare condition of the knee where the patella dislocates during flexion and relocates during extension. The congenital form is permanent, irreducible, and presents at birth. It is characterized by a short quadriceps and a major patellofemoral dysplasia and short height. This article presents a rare case of a 27-year-old woman with recurring bilateral...