The three in one procedure: how I do it.

Recurrent patella dislocation is common, and selection of an appropriate stabilisation procedure is important for a successful outcome. We describe a combined proximal and distal realignment procedure to adjust soft tissue tension around the patella. This procedure, the 'Three in One' involves a combination of a lateral release, vastus medialis obliquus muscle advancement, and transfer of the medial third of the patellar tendon to the medial collateral ligament. This is a safe, reliable procedure for patients with recurrent dislocation of the patella resulting from an imbalance of soft tissue tension around the patella, but with a normally sited patella and normal trochlea.