Surgical management of habitual dislocation of the patella

ABSTRACT

In this study, 12 patients were surgically managed for habitual dislocation of their patellae. The surgical approach started by lateral retinacular release, an oblique incision of the anterolateral aspect of vastus lateralis, a release of any abnormal attachments of the iliotibial b and and distolateral advancement of the vastus medialis muscle [a new approach]. Other procedures can be added when required as a release of vastus intermedius or lengthening of the rectus femoris. This research stressed on the importance of the differentiation between habitual dislocation of the patella and recurrent or permanent dislocation