Predisposing factors

Patella dislocation tends to affect young and active individuals, with adolescent females and athletes at a higher risk. (1)

Factors that may predispose to dislocation include:

• generalised ligamentous laxity
• small lateral femoral condyle - relative to opposing tibial condyle
• small intercondylar groove
• small and / or high riding patella
• significant genu valgus deformity
• quadriceps weakness
• history of patellar subluxation
• tear of medial patellofemoral ligament
• below-the-knee amputations (2)

Dislocation itself, may tear the medial joint capsule so as to make future dislocation easier.

References:

1. Hayat Z et al. Patella dislocation. Stat Pearls Publishing Jan 2024.
2. Wiler JL. Diagnosis:patellar dislocation. Emergency medicine news 2007;29:6-14