Treatment of patellofemoral instability in childhood with creation of a femoral sulcus.

Four patients with six knees with patellofemoral instability and severe trochlear dysplasia were treated with creation of a femoral sulcus. None of the six knees have had recurrent dislocations at 3- to 11-year follow-up. All patients had chromosomal abnormalities and limited motor demands. We recommend this procedure for children with patellar instability refractory to standard treatment methods who have severe trochlear dysplasia and limited motor demands.