Effect of a patellar realignment brace on patients with patellar subluxation and dislocation. Evaluation with kinematic magnetic resonance imaging.

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of a patellar realignment brace on patients with patellar subluxation or dislocation. Twenty-one patients (24 patellofemoral joints) with clinical evidence of patellar subluxation (N = 16) or dislocation (N = 5) were examined with the joint inside a positioning device to allow active-motion, kinematic magnetic resonance imaging. To analyze the patellar tracking pattern, the same imaging parameters (patellar tilt angle, bisect offset, and lateral patellar displacement) and section locations were used before and after application of a patellar realignment brace. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the three parameters for the patellofemoral relationships before or after wearing the patellar brace. The results indicated no stabilizing effect of the tested brace in patients with patellar subluxation or dislocation during active joint motion.