[Treatment of subluxation and dislocation of the patella in the child. Elmslie technic with movable soft tissue pedicle (8 year review)].

The Elmslie method using a soft-tissue strip aims at realigning the extensor mechanism in the same way as the Elmslie-Trillat operation in adults. We feel that the main cause of dislocation or subluxation of the patella is to be found in incorrect alignment of this mechanism. We feel that the Q angle should especially be correct with regard to knee stability during rotation. This angle should not be neutralized or even inverted. In young, growing patients, as compared to adults, excess stress on the medial side due to medial displacement of the tuberosity will be compensated for by increasing valgus of the knee joint. Analysis of the potential risks involved in this pretuberosity operation led us to the conclusion that there is no risk of early epiphysiodesis or bony recurvation, and no risk of patella baja or osteochondrosis of the tuberosity. The functional results are so far very satisfactory (13 of 17 reexamined cases continue to be involved in sports or have taken up sports); this is particularly rewarding if we consider that the operation is not technically demanding and may even be undergone by ambulatory patients.