Current concepts review: The management of acute and recurrent patellar dislocation

Abstract Patellofemoral joint instability is a common condition with no consensus in literature about the best management strategies. Detailed history, clinical examination and imaging are necessary to establish a platform for further management. Primary patellar instability can be managed with a period of immobilization followed by physiotherapy. However, in cases of recurrent symptomatic patellar instability, surgery is necessitated to address soft tissue and/or bony defects. Many surgical procedures had been described in the literature with a poor clinical consensus about them. Nonetheless, the choice of surgical technique should be guided by a thorough and indiviualised clinical, patho-mechanical and radiological assessment.