Management of objective patellar instabilities at the university hospital chu sylvanus olympio of lome, togo

Abstract

Introduction: patellar instability is a rare multifactorial condition whose treatment is complex. The purpose of this study was to describe cases of patellar instabilities and then to assess treatment outcomes in low-income countries. Methods: the study was conducted from March 2013 to February 2018. Eight patients aged >15 years and who had undergone surgery for objective patellar instability were enrolled. Before and after surgery knee function was assessed using IKDC score. Results: the average age at surgery was 28.5 years and female sex was predominant (6 cases). Trochlear dysplasia was the main etiological factor (7 patients). In four cases dysplasia was related to patellar height (mean Caton index: 1.4). In five cases, section of lateral patellar retinaculum associated with TTA transposition and Insall’s plasty was performed. Functional outcome was satisfactory, with a mean IKDC score of 91.3%. Conclusion: patellar instabilities are rare. Management is delayed in our developing countries, but outcomes are good when protocols are adapted.