[Treatment of major patellar instability. Results of the Fèvre-Dupuis operation].

In the treatment of recurrent subluxation and dislocation of the patella in adolescents and young adults, the authors describe a method consisting of: --a modified Roux procedure for internal transposition and advancement of the anterior tibial tuberosity; --the Lecène technic for over-the-top reinsertion of the vastus medialis on the lateral aspect of the patella. All the patients had a plaster cast for 10 days followed by rehabilitation until normal knee function was achieved. Stiff knees were mobilized under general anesthesia. Normal activity was progressively resumed 6 weeks after surgery. Out of the 31 patients (41 knees) available for objective follow-up evaluation, 26 were women and 5 men, with an average age of 19 years. The mean follow-up period was 9 and a half years with a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 23. End results in terms of relief of pain, patellar stability and knee function were gratifying. Thirty knees were rated good, 8 fair and 3 poor. No recurrence of subluxation or dislocation was found.