Acute patellar dislocation: results of immediate surgical repair.

Seventeen cases of acute, first time, lateral patellar dislocations without fracture treated by immediate surgical repair were reviewed and evaluated. Nine patellar tendon realignments and 8 medial side reefing procedures were performed. There were no recurrences of patellar dislocation. Twelve knees were painful, of which 8 were rarely painful. All but one patient were satisfied with their results and participated in any desired sport. Surgical repair of acute patellar dislocation is advocated in the young patient who anticipates future participation in athletics.