Evaluation and Management of Patellar Instability in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes

Overview

Journal Sports Health

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2015 May 19

PMID 25984256

Citations 20

Authors

Sariah Khormaee

Dennis E Kramer

Yi-Meng Yen

Benton E Heyworth

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Context: The rising popularity and intensity of youth sports has increased the incidence of patellar dislocation. These sports-related injuries may be associated with significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Treatment requires understanding and attention to the unique challenges in the skeletally immature patient.

Evidence Acquisition: PubMed searches spanning 1970-2013.

Study Design: Clinical review.

Level Of Evidence: Level 5.

Results: Although nonoperative approaches are most often suitable for first-time patellar dislocations, surgical treatment is recommended for acute fixation of displaced osteochondral fractures sustained during primary instability and for patellar realignment in the setting of recurrent instability. While a variety of procedures can prevent recurrence, the risk of complications is not minimal.

Conclusion: Patellar stabilization and realignment procedures in skeletally immature patients with recurrent patellar dislocation can effectively treat patellar instability without untoward effects on growth if careful surgical planning incorporates protection of growth parameters in the skeletally immature athlete.

Citing Articles

Isokinetic Strength Profiles Among Youth after Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

Zwolski C, Poston G, Anthony L, Bastian K, Sayre M, Hugentobler K Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2025; 20(3):333-343.

PMID: 40041530 PMC: 11872563. DOI: 10.26603/001c.129257.

Unlocking the Mystery of Patella Dislocation-Diagnostic Methods in Pediatric Populations: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Trams E, Tolwinski I, Tyrakowski M, Grzelecki D, Kowalczewski J, Kaminski R J Clin Med. 2025; 14(4).

PMID: 40004906 PMC: 11856544. DOI: 10.3390/jcm14041376.

Trochleoplasty in Pediatric Patients - A Systematic Review.

Chaclas N, Orellana K, Huang K, Amato C, Williams B Iowa Orthop J. 2025; 44(2):100-106.

PMID: 39811171 PMC: 11726488.

The Matrix Approach to Patellar Instability.

Almessabi T, Al Rabaee D, Ismaeil A, Khan N, Alshryda S Cureus. 2024; 16(8):e67703.

PMID: 39318946 PMC: 11421946. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67703.

Imaging of soccer injuries in adolescent female athletes.

Babler F, Gaetke-Udager K, Crawford E, Yablon C Skeletal Radiol. 2024; 54(4):743-762.

PMID: 38478081 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-024-04629-z.

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