We investigated the natural history of dislocation of the patella with conservative treatment. This study group was composed of nine women (twelve knees) and four men (four knees) with a median age of 11.8 years (range 4 to 16.3) at the time of primary dislocation of the patella.
The treatment for the first episode of dislocation was plaster cast in nine cases and elastic bandage in two cases. Five cases were not treated. In twelve cases, there was at least one recurrent dislocation, and in seven of these twelve cases, dislocation recurred frequently. All cases of recurrent dislocation eventually underwent operation.
