Irreducible lateral patella dislocation with associated rotation

Abstract

Irreducible lateral patella dislocation is an extremely rare 
event, documented only a handful of times in the 
literature. Lateral patella dislocation is usually the result 
of indirect trauma and is usually easily reducible, often 
prior to seeking medical care. We present a case of a 50 
year old man with an unusual case of irreducible lateral 
patella dislocation with associated rotation about the long 
axis requiring open reduction, in a knee with 
degenerative changes.