[Surgical treatment of recurrent dislocation of the patella in children].

OBJECTIVE

To study an operative method for repair of recurrent dislocation of the patella in children.

METHODS

36 children with recurrent patellar dislocation were treated surgically at an average age of 9.1 years. They were followed on average for 4 years and 4 months. Nine of the 36 children underwent bilateral repair, with 45 knees were treated. The combined soft tissue operations included lateral retinacular releasing, medial retinacular tightening of the knee, vastus medialis muscle transfer to the patella, medial and distal transfer of the half patellar tendon.

RESULTS

28 patients had stable knee joint and a full range of motion, and improved sports activity after operation. Seven children achieved satisfactory function of the knee joint but there was no significant difference between pre-and postoperative sports exercise ability. One child suffered from a redislocation of the patella. Wound infection was not seen and the range of knee joint motion was not restricted in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined procedures for repair of recurrent dislocation of the patella in children risk free for growth disturbances secondary to iatrogenic injury to the proximal tibial physis. It is safe and effective for recurrent dislocation of the patella in skeletally immature children.