Recurrent dislocation of the patella. Treatment by a modification of the method of McCarroll & Schwartzmann.

In a retrospective examination of 40 knees operated on according to a modification of the method of McCarroll & Schwartzmann, results ranging from good to excellent were seen in 68 per cent of the cases. Poor results partly attributable to synovitis and chondromalacia, were found in 20 per cent. Twelve per cent had recurrence of the dislocation. There was very little correlation between the preoperative X-ray and the final results. Open epithyseal plates were found to be a contraindication for the operation. The duration of the condition and the number of dislocations had no bearing on the end-results. The operative method is recommended for both traumatic and non-traumatic dislocations of the patella.