Locked lateral patella dislocation: the role for the skyline view in the trauma setting

Abstract

Objective:

Acute traumatic dislocation of the patella is a common problem. These cases often either spontaneously reduce or undergo successful closed reduction in Emergency Departments. We describe a rare case of an irreducible patella dislocation in a 15 year old boy following direct trauma.

Method:

Intra-operative skyline views revealed lateral dislocation of the patella with the patella ‘locked’ in internal rotation.

Result:

Closed reduction in theatre failed and open reduction was required.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates the benefit of the skyline view in the radiograph series following failed closed reduction, aiding the identification of atypical dislocations and osteochondral fracture fragments.