Lateral Patellar Dislocation

A Critical Review and Update of Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Practice Guidelines and Expected Outcomes

Abstract

• » Nonoperative treatment of a lateral patellar dislocation produces favorable functional results, but as high as 35% of individuals experience recurrent dislocations.
• » Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is an effective treatment to prevent recurrent dislocations and yield excellent outcomes with a high rate of return to sport.
• » Both nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation should center on resolving pain and edema, restoring motion, and incorporating isolated and multijoint progressive strengthening exercises targeting the hip and knee.
• » Prior to return to sports, both functional and isolated knee strength measurements should be used to determine leg symmetry strength and to utilize patient-reported outcome measures to assess the patient’s perceived physical abilities and patellofemoral joint stability.