Superior dislocation of the patella: a case report

J Orthop Surg Res. 2009 Jul 30:4:29. doi: 10.1186/1749-799X-4-29.

Abstract

Background: Superior dislocation of the patella is an uncommon condition that mainly occurs in knees with a high patella and medial femorotibial degenerative arthritis. There are no previous reports of this condition occurring in association with tibial valgus osteotomy.

Case report: We report the case of a patient in whom vertical dislocation recurred twice at 4 months after tibial valgus osteotomy. To avert additional recurrence or new dislocations, the patient was treated surgically to remove the existing osteophytes.

Conclusions: An arthroscopic approach was decided because of the lower associated morbidity and good results with this technique compared to open surgery.