Traumatic Patellar Dislocation and Cartilage Injury: A Follow-up Study of Long-Term Cartilage Deterioration

Abstract

While recurrent lateral patellar dislocation is known to lead to degenerative process, a single first-time or infrequently recurring traumatic lateral patellar dislocation also seems to be associated with gradual cartilage deterioration. Traumatic lateral patellar dislocation might initiate gradual degeneration of the cartilage in the patellofemoral joint and can lead to the development of generalized knee osteoarthritis. Instability symptoms of the patellofemoral joint, however, were not related to the severity of the deterioration.