Restricted vs. Free Knee Range Of Motion For Primary Traumatic Patellar Dislocation

RESTRICTED VS. FREE KNEE RANGE OF MOTION FOR PRIMARY TRAUMATIC PATELLAR DISLOCATION: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

Knee immobilization in near extension has been proposed as a nonoperative treatment for primary traumatic patellar dislocation, although there exist no prospective studies regarding the method of immobilization. The objective of this prospective randomized study was to compare the clinical outcome after nonoperative treatment with restricted vs. free range of motion (ROM) for primary traumatic patellar dislocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A primary (first-time) patellar dislocation verified by clinical examination
• Signs of patellar dislocation in MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

• anyone with previous patellar instability
• osteochondral fracture requiring surgery
• associated knee injuries