Clinical Outcomes Following Patellar Dislocation in Young Athletes

Overview

The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of future injury and disability following LPD. The investigators' long term goal is to improve longitudinal outcomes of athletes with LPD following surgical and non-surgical management. Currently, there is limited information available to clinicians regarding appropriate criteria for returning athletes to sports participation following LPD. The evidence produced by this study will provide necessary information to develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies that may reduce the risk for future patellar instability and associated patellofemoral joint dysfunction and pain.

The basis of the proposed study is to determine the clinical outcomes following lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). Despite surgical and non-surgical interventions, young athletes are at high risk for sustaining subsequent dislocations that magnify the effects of disability. It is suspected that if athletes return to high-level activities and expose their knees to substantial forces without normalized movement strategies, then this may increase the risk for future joint injury. Currently, there are no evidence-based criteria to determine an athlete's readiness for sports activity following LPD. The purpose of this study is to characterize clinical outcomes, function, and neuromuscular control strategies employed by athletes following LPD at the time when they are returning to sports participation. A prospective, longitudinal study design will be utilized. A cohort of up to 100 athletes (ages 12 - 25 years) who have sustained LPD during sports activities that require jumping, cutting, or pivoting maneuvers will be consecutively recruited from the offices of local orthopaedic surgeons, primary care physicians, and sports physical therapists for this study. Investigators will target a subset of surgically managed athletes and a subset of non-surgically managed athletes with LPD. A cohort of up to 100 individuals without history of knee injury will be recruited from local schools and universities to serve as control participants. Data will be collected to evaluate clinical outcomes, thigh and hip strength, lower body function, balance and neuromuscular control strategies. Clinical outcomes will be assessed using self-report questionnaires and performance-based measures, including hop and agility tests. Thigh and hip strength will be assessed utilizing an isokinetic dynamometer. Lower body function will be assessed using a series of single-leg and double-leg hopping tests. Balance will be assessed utilizing a clinical lower extremity reach test. Neuromuscular control will be evaluated by 3-D motion analysis during running, jumping, and cutting activities. Overall, this study will provide a comprehensive evaluation of athletes following LPD. It will provide important information for the future development of rehabilitation approaches that may maximize clinical outcomes for the at risk population.