The management of recurrent patellar dislocation.

Acute and chronic trauma, chronic abnormal joint loading conditions, and hemarthroses have been implicated in the development of degenerative joint disease. Patellar instability with acute and recurrent patellar dislocation provides all of these ingredients. This article describes an approach to the treatment of recurrent patellar instability that considers the unique features and expectations of the patient rather than using a generic algorithm.