Changes in Patellar Morphology Following Surgical Correction of Recurrent Patellar Dislocation in Children
Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes of patella following surgical correction of recurrent patellar dislocation in children. Methods: 35 immature children aged 5 to 10 years who suffered from bilateral recurrent patellar dislocation associated with abnormal patella morphology. The knee had most frequently patellar dislocation, which was underwent medial patellar retinacular plasty, and defined as in the study group(SG). The contralateral knee was treated conservatively and defined as in the control group (CG). Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on all children preoperatively and at the last follow-up to evaluate the patellar morphological characteristics. Results: All the radiological parameters of the patella, showed no significant difference between the two groups, Preoperatively. At the last follow-up for CT scans, no signifcant diferences were evaluable for the relative patellar width (SG, 54.61%; CG, 52.87%; p=0.086) and the relative patellar thickness (SG, 26.07% ; CG, 25.02%; p = 0.243). The radiological parameters including Wiberg-angle (SG, 136.25°; CG, 122.65°; p < 0.001), modified Wiberg-index (SG, 1.23; CG, 2.65 ; p < 0.001), and lateral patellar facet angle (SG, 23.35° ; CG, 15.26°; p < 0.001) showed statistical differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The morphology of the patella can be improved by early surgical correction in children with recurrent patellar dislocation. Early intervention for children with recurrent patellar dislocation is important.