Bilateral recurrent discloation of the patella associated with below knee amputation: A case report

Abstract

Background: Recurrent dislocation of the patella in patients with below knee amputation is a known entity. Abnormally high-riding patella (patella alta) and medial patellofemoral ligament insufficiency in these patients predisposes them to patellar instability. The established treatment of this problem is surgical realignment. Case presentation: A 25 year old male patient with bilateral below knee amputation presented with bilateral recurrent dislocation of the patella while walking on knees on uneven ground. Clinical and radiographic studies showed patella alta. A simple shoe modification was used to treat this patient. Conclusions: A simple shoe modification can be used to treat such a condition which is otherwise treated surgically. © 2005 Batra et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.