We prospectively studied the characteristics and early recovery of an unselected population of patients who had acute first-time lateral patellar dislocation. The recovery program used standardized rehabilitation, emphasizing range of motion, muscle strength, and return of function. Patients returned to stressful activities including sports as tolerated when they regained full passive range of motion, had no effusion, and when quadriceps muscle strength was at least 80% compared with the noninjured limb. Seventy-four patients met the enrollment criteria; 37 men and 37 women. The average age was 19.9 years, and preinjury sports participation was similar to that of ligament-injury patients. Four percent of patients (N = 3) had a history of birth complications, 3% (N = 2) had a history of lower extremity problems as an infant or child, and 9% (N = 7) had a family history of patellar dislocation. Radiographs revealed a 50% incidence (N = 37) of patella alta; all patients demonstrated lateral patellar overhang. Patients regained range of motion (mean, 0 degrees to 132 degrees) by 6 weeks. Sports participation remained significantly reduced throughout the first 6 months after injury, with the greatest limitations in kneeling and squatting. At 6 months, 58% of patients (N = 43) noted limitation in strenuous activities. The patients who had acute primary patellar dislocation were young and active. Most injuries occurred during sports, and few patients had abnormal physical features, contradicting any stereotype of an overweight, sedentary, adolescent girl whose patella dislocates with little or no trauma.

BackgroundThe earthquake that occurred in Haiti on 12 January 2010 elicited an unprecedented response from the American orthopedic community. Many small organizations, such as Operation Rainbow, were thrust into the unfamiliar environment of relief surgery, whereas they normally provide short elective reconstruction missions in developing countries.MaterialsBecause of the chaotic nature of relief work, it was assumed that the organization’s efforts would be less cost-effective than their usual elective work. To evaluate this conclusion, the present study was designed to compare the cost-effectiveness of the organization’s usual elective missions with the emergency relief provided in the wake of the Haiti earthquake.Results and conclusionsThe assumption that emergency costs would be higher was proven wrong, with estimates of $362 per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted in the elective group, and $343 per DALY averted in the relief group.