Knee Arthoplasty in Chronic Patellar Dislocation: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Chronic patellar dislocation (CPD) associated with osteoarthritis is a rare and challenging problem, especially in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Chronic alteration of patellofemoral (PF) function due to severe malalignment leads to progressive joint destruction, potentially resulting in tricompartmental osteoarthritis. Various techniques have been described for its resolution, ranging from soft tissue procedures to total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Case presentation A 29-year-old male with DS presented with a one-year history of atraumatic right knee pain, associated with episodes of joint effusion. Initially, he was diagnosed with septic arthritis. Physical examination showed hyperlaxity (Beighton score 8), limping gait, CPD, irreducible genu valgum, and tricompartmental osteoarthritis with 13.3° genu valgum on the right side. Treatment included TKA and extensor mechanism realignment through lateral retinaculum lengthening and advancement of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) using the Insall technique. At 8 months postoperatively, the patient was pain-free, had no new episodes of patellar dislocation, and was independent in basic activities of daily living.

Discussion This is a complex case of gonarthrosis, and patellar instability associated with genu valgum in a patient with DS and hyperlaxity. Along with CPD, we faced a 13.3° valgus deformity and tricompartmental osteoarthritis. A primary posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA was planned with the option for increased constraint intraoperatively, along with soft tissue realignment. The literature demonstrates that this step is essential to restore PF biomechanics and achieve good functionality.

Keywords

chronic patellar dislocation - total knee replacement - lateral retinacular release - down syndrome

Publication History

Received: 09 October 2024

Accepted: 29 November 2024

Article published online:
26 December 2024

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