Surgical treatment of patellar dislocation in children with Down syndrome: a 3- to 11-year follow-up study

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2009 Apr;17(4):334-40. doi: 10.1007/s00167-008-0652-5. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

Abstract

We report results of surgical treatment of ten knees affected by patellar dislocation in six children with Down syndrome. Four knees showed a dislocatable patella (grade III according to Dugdale), two a dislocated reducible patella (grade IV) and four a dislocated irreducible patella (grade V). Symptoms included frequent falls, limping and pain. In all the cases a Roux-Goldthwait-Campbell procedure was performed. Mean age at surgery was 10 years (range 6 years and 6 months to 13 years and 4 months). Patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 8 years and 8 months (range 3 years and 6 months to 11 years and 5 months). None showed signs of recurrence of the dislocation. The median Lysholm score improved from 57.5 to 91/100. Statistical analysis showed a significant effectiveness of the procedure in improving function, and that surgery was significantly more effective in patients with more severe disability.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Down Syndrome / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Patella / diagnostic imaging
  • Patella / surgery
  • Patellar Dislocation / complications*
  • Patellar Dislocation / diagnosis
  • Patellar Dislocation / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Recovery of Function
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome