Overview of Patellofemoral Joint Instability

Introduction Patellofemoral instability is a complex orthopaedic condition that frequently affects children and adolescents. BAILEY CONSENSUS GROUP and VELLIOS It is estimated that the incidence of patellofemoral instability in paediatric patients ranges from 23 to 43 per 100,000 person-years. The highest rates are in teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years VELLIOS. The management of patellofemoral instability is complex (JAQUITH). Vellios et al. (YEAR) note that first-time dislocation may be managed conservatively (i.e. through rehabilitation, bracing, activity modification), but as many as 36 percent of patients will have recurrent instability on the same leg.