Extracondylar Patellar Dislocation Inverted on the Vertical Axis in a Collegiate Football Athlete: A Case Report and Literature Review

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John C. Roberts Jr. Master of Athletic Training Program, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

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Alexis M. Zegan Department of Athletic Training, Wingate University, Wingate, NC, USA

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Alivia D. Fink Department of Sports Medicine, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

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Jane M. Kubala Department of Sports Medicine, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2023-0120
Keywords:
inverted patella; vertical axis rotation; patellar reduction
First Published Online:
01 Apr 2024
In Print:
Volume 29: Issue 5
Page Range:
247–250
Restricted access

A male, Division II collegiate football player presented with an extracondylar lateral patellar dislocation with inversion of the patella on its vertical axis following impact with the ground on the medial side. The patient was sedated for closed patellar reduction. He returned to full participation after 6 weeks of a progressive strength program. Extracondylar patellar inversion is not often associated with severe force or a direct blow, but the case described occurred after a high-impact tackle to the ground. This is also the only published case of a collegiate athlete returning to collision sport after sustaining an inverted extracondylar patellar dislocation. Despite the deformity and emergent nature of an inverted patellar dislocation, having patients complete early mobilization activities, including range of motion, and aggressive strengthening and functional progressions may facilitate a quick and safe return to highly intensive and competitive physical activity.

Roberts (roberts043@gannon.edu) is corresponding author.

Inverted patellar dislocations are characterized by vertical axis rotation of the patella in an intercondylar or extracondylar position.

Inverted patellar dislocations often require closed reduction under sedation or a surgical open reduction.

Strengthening progressions and guidelines postinjury is the same as more common lateral patellar dislocations without inversion.

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