Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Introduction: Inferior patellar dislocations in elderly patients are rare and typically occur in the presence of significant patellofemoral arthritis. These dislocations often present as a locked knee, which can be mistaken for other knee pathologies. While treatment has generally involved closed re...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Indian Orthopaedic Research Group
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/locked-knee-and-inferior-patellar-dislocation-in-an-elderly-patient-a-case-report-and-review-of-the-literature/ |
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| _version_ | 1849405076250034176 |
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| author | Jeremy Silver Jared Sain Michael Simon Kenneth G. Swan |
| author_facet | Jeremy Silver Jared Sain Michael Simon Kenneth G. Swan |
| author_sort | Jeremy Silver |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction:
Inferior patellar dislocations in elderly patients are rare and typically occur in the presence of significant patellofemoral arthritis. These dislocations often present as a locked knee, which can be mistaken for other knee pathologies. While treatment has generally involved closed reduction, there is limited literature on recurrence and the role of surgical intervention.
Case Report:
An 85-year-old female presented with a locked right knee following a fall, unable to bear weight or extend the knee. Radiographs and MRI revealed an inferior patellar dislocation due to a superior patellar osteophyte interacting with a defect in the lateral femoral condyle. Initial closed reduction was successful but followed by a recurrence of the dislocation seven weeks later. Arthroscopic surgery, including debridement of the patellar osteophyte and trochlear osteochondral defect, provided definitive treatment. The patient remained symptom-free at 12 months follow-up with no further dislocations.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the challenge of managing inferior patellar dislocations in elderly patients, with closed reduction and immobilization often insufficient to prevent recurrence. Arthroscopic surgery should be considered in cases of recurrent dislocation to allow for early mobilization and minimize the risk of further episodes.
Level of evidence:
Level V Case Report |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9d415940fe7c439ab8bcc222d3b76bef |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2250-0685 2321-3817 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Indian Orthopaedic Research Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-9d415940fe7c439ab8bcc222d3b76bef2025-08-20T03:36:45ZengIndian Orthopaedic Research GroupJournal of Orthopaedic Case Reports2250-06852321-38172025-07-0115710210610.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i07.5784Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the LiteratureJeremy SilverJared SainMichael SimonKenneth G. SwanIntroduction: Inferior patellar dislocations in elderly patients are rare and typically occur in the presence of significant patellofemoral arthritis. These dislocations often present as a locked knee, which can be mistaken for other knee pathologies. While treatment has generally involved closed reduction, there is limited literature on recurrence and the role of surgical intervention. Case Report: An 85-year-old female presented with a locked right knee following a fall, unable to bear weight or extend the knee. Radiographs and MRI revealed an inferior patellar dislocation due to a superior patellar osteophyte interacting with a defect in the lateral femoral condyle. Initial closed reduction was successful but followed by a recurrence of the dislocation seven weeks later. Arthroscopic surgery, including debridement of the patellar osteophyte and trochlear osteochondral defect, provided definitive treatment. The patient remained symptom-free at 12 months follow-up with no further dislocations. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenge of managing inferior patellar dislocations in elderly patients, with closed reduction and immobilization often insufficient to prevent recurrence. Arthroscopic surgery should be considered in cases of recurrent dislocation to allow for early mobilization and minimize the risk of further episodes. Level of evidence: Level V Case Reporthttps://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/locked-knee-and-inferior-patellar-dislocation-in-an-elderly-patient-a-case-report-and-review-of-the-literature/kneearthroscopyinferior patellar dislocationlocked kneepatellofemoral arthritis |
| spellingShingle | Jeremy Silver Jared Sain Michael Simon Kenneth G. Swan Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports knee arthroscopy inferior patellar dislocation locked knee patellofemoral arthritis |
| title | Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |
| title_full | Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |
| title_fullStr | Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |
| title_full_unstemmed | Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |
| title_short | Locked Knee and Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature |
| title_sort | locked knee and inferior patellar dislocation in an elderly patient a case report and review of the literature |
| topic | knee arthroscopy inferior patellar dislocation locked knee patellofemoral arthritis |
| url | https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/07/01/locked-knee-and-inferior-patellar-dislocation-in-an-elderly-patient-a-case-report-and-review-of-the-literature/ |
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