Abstract

A number of techniques for the surgical correction of dislocating patellae have been devised over the past century. A great deal of controversy exists regarding the components of a successful technique to prevent further dislocation from occurring and halt degenerative changes of the patellofemoral joint. The Green quadricepsplasty, which attemps to realign the deranged extensor mechanism proximally with concomitant lateral release and vastus medialis advancement, has been used for many years at the Bostons Childrens Hospital. Thirty-one operative knees in 26 patients suffering from recurrent patellar dislocation, refractory to conservative treatment, underwent this procedure over a 10-year period from January, 1961 to December, 1971, and were reviewed retrospectively with a mean follow-up time of 14 years. Sixty-four percent of patients were found to have good or excellent results. Presence of pain preoperatively, patient gender, and duration of symptoms predating surgery, were found to be the most important determinants of ultimate outcome. Verf.-Referat