Medium-term results of the operative treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation by Insall proximal realignment

Between 1984 and 1991, 36 patients with the diagnosis of recurrent patellar dislocation were treated operatively using the proximal realignment proced ure. Thirty patients were available for followup. The average follow-up per iod was 6.3 years (range 2-9.6 years). The average age at injury was 21.3 y ears with a predominance of female patients. At follow-up all knees were ph ysically examined. The results were evaluated using the score of Larsen and Lauridsen as well as the Tegner score and subjective assessment. Radiograp hs from 19 patients (63%) were available for review. At follow-up one patie nt suffered from a recurrence of patellar dislocation. All patients had sta ble knee joints and a full range of motion. There was no statistically sign ificant difference between pre- and postoperative sports activity level. Se ven patients (23.3%) had excellent results, 12 patients (39.9%) good result s and 1 a poor result using the Larsen and Lauridsen score. Subjective asse ssment revealed the operative result as very good, good or satisfactory in 90%. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis was seen in 7 of 19 patients (36.8%). Wi th a proximal realignment procedure good clinical results can be achieved f or recurrent patellar dislocation. Subjective satisfaction with this proced ure is rated as good. It is successful in preventing redislocation.