Osteochondral Fractures in Acute Patellar Dislocations in Adolescents: Midterm Results of Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral fractures (OCFs) are common injuries during acute patellar dislocation (APD), carrying a high risk of early joint deterioration if left untreated. The recommended approach is reduction and stable fixation; however, data on the results of such treatment are limited. PURPOSE: To evaluate midterm results of fixation of APD-related OCFs in adolescents and to identify predictive factors for poor outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of adolescent patients who underwent internal fixation of APD-related OCFs between 2004 and 2015 at a single tertiary pediatric trauma center. The primary outcome variables included Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), patient satisfaction (0-10 scale), and sports participation compared with preoperative level. Secondary outcome variables included relationship between final results and OCF location (patellofemoral vs tibiofemoral), surgical delay (>6 weeks), and patellar instability after OCF fixation. OCF healing was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Included were 40 patients (19 female, 21 male) with 42 OCFs (29 patellar OCFs, 13 lateral femoral condyle OCFs). The median patient age at surgery was 14.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 13-15.5 years), and median follow-up was 76 months (IQR, 52.5-95 months). Recurrence of patellar instability occurred in 27.5% of patients. Median overall KOOS was 93.8 (IQR, 90.8-97.6); KOOS–Symptoms, 92.9 (IQR, 85.7-96.4); KOOS–Pain, 97.2 (IQR, 91.7-100); KOOS–Activities of Daily Living, 100 (IQR, 97.1-100); KOOS–Sports, 90 (IQR, 80-100); and KOOS–Quality of Life, 78.1 (IQR, 56.2-87.5). Median satisfaction score was 8 (IQR, 8-9), and 16 patients (40%) returned to sports participation at their preinjury level. MRI scans revealed a 100% rate of bone healing. Abnormalities exceeding the fracture area were evident on MRI scans in 86.5% of patients. Recurrence of patellar instability (even after surgical fixation) and unstable patella at final follow-up were independent predictors of worse results after OCF fixation. CONCLUSION: In the current study, reduction and internal fixation for APD-related OCF in adolescents yielded favorable midterm outcomes. Recurrence of dislocation and persistent patellar instability jeopardized clinical results.