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The factors predisposing to recurrent dislocation and the results of conservative treatment were investigated in 79 cases of patellar dislocation. Patella alta and subluxation were significantly more common in patients without than in those with a history of injury. No single predisposing factor caused more redislocation than any other. The tendency to redislocation was significantly greater in patients younger than 20 years of age than in those older than 20 years of age at the time of primary dislocation. Corroborating reports in a large literature on the disorder, the present experience validates conservative management for primary dislocations and surgical treatment for redislocations of the patella.

Seventeen cases of acute, first time, lateral patellar dislocations without fracture treated by immediate surgical repair were reviewed and evaluated. Nine patellar tendon realignments and 8 medial side reefing procedures were performed. There were no recurrences of patellar dislocation. Twelve knees were painful, of which 8 were rarely painful. All but one patient were satisfied with their results and participated in any desired sport. Surgical repair of acute patellar dislocation is advocated in the young patient who anticipates future participation in athletics.

Seventy-four patients with patellar dislocations and subluxations were treated with a procedure described by Trillat. The Trillat method consists of stepwise correction of predisposing anatomic abnormalities including lateral retinacular release, patellar tubercle transfer, and advancement of the vastus medialis, if necessary. The follow-up period in 42 knees was from two to nine years with an average of 4.2 years. The results were excellent in six knees, good in 28 knees, fair in five knees, and poor in three knees. Thorough intraarticular examination is essential. If significant patellofemoral arthritis is present, a Maquet procedure should be performed.