Patellar dislocation and osteochondral fractures.

Follow-up study of nine patients with patellar dislocation in combination with osteochondral fractures. Three of these patients with special problems in relation to knee pathology are discussed in detail. This group of knee injuries is often overlooked because of frequent spontaneous reposition. Etiology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Arthroscopy is recommended to visualize chondral defects. Results are presented in combination with follow-up. Four patients still complain of instability of the knee after surgery. Reconstruction is the treatment of choice. The kind of fixation depends on the size of the osteochondral fragment, and consists of either screws or fibrin, in future possibly resorbable pins. Continuous passive motion is to be recommended after operation. Factors predisposing to recurrence are an indication for correction.