Do Not Do this Case Report: Recurrence of Knee Flexion Contracture after Extension Osteotomy in Congenital Patellar Dislocation: The Importance of a Thorough Patient Evaluation

Soroush Baghdadi; Taghi Baghdadi

doi:10.18502/jost.v5i2.3754

Soroush Baghdadi
Taghi Baghdadi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v5i2.3754

Keywords: Congenital Dislocation of the Patella; Gait; Knee; Osteotomy

Abstract

Background: Congenital patellar dislocation (CPD) is a rare disorder which presents with hypoplastic and irreducible patellae. It is accompanied by flexion contracture of the knee joint, genu valgum, and external tibial rotation.

Case Report: A seven-year-old girl with CPD who was misdiagnosed as having cerebral palsy (CP) crouch gait and underwent distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFEO) without paying attention to the dislocated patellae, is presented. Recurrence ensued, and the patient was referred for further evaluation. After a second surgery to address the dislocated patellae, the flexion contracture and gait pattern improved significantly.

Conclusion: The case underscores the importance of a systematic, thorough physical examination, without which uncommon diagnoses will be overlooked, exposing the patient to further morbidity and complications.