Knee joint proprioception in patients with posttraumatic recurrent patella dislocation.

In 30 healthy volunteers with clinically inconspicuous knee joints and nine patients with posttraumatic recurrent patella dislocation, the proprioceptive abilities of the knee joint were evaluated by an angle reproduction test. The results of the control group showed no gender- or dominant-specific difference. The patient group showed a significant deterioration of proprioceptive capability in the injured knee joint. Even in the contralateral, uninjured knee joint, the angle reproduction test result was significantly reduced compared with the control group. After applying an elastic knee bandage, the control group and the patients with patella dislocation showed a significant improvement of the proprioceptive capability.