Physiotherapy in Recurrent Dislocation of Patella-Wiberg Type II

Objective: To find the effect of physiotherapy in recurrent dislocation of patella-Wiberg Type II Design: A case report. Setting: Physiotherapy department at Almedica Clinic & Physiocare, Kolkata, India Subject: A young girl aged 10 years experienced patella dislocation causing severe pain during school sports with similar episodes experienced during the following weeks. The patella would move back into position with gentle pressure application. Intervention: A physiotherapy programme of 15 sessions of electrotherapy and exercises was planned which consisted of faradic stimulation of the quadriceps, followed by supervised exercises of the knee. Home exercises, which were similar to the supervised exercises, were advised to be done twice, daily. Outcome measures: Lysholm knee score, Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) score, Knee extensor strength. Result: The apprehension in activity and frequency of dislocation of the patella had reduced by the 15th session of physiotherapy with significant improvement in strength of knee extensors. Home exercises were continued regularly and at six months of follow up the patient had reported no episodes of dislocation following the treatment sessions. Conclusion: Recurrent dislocation of patella-Wiberg Type II, can be controlled by physiotherapy which includes a course of faradic stimulation to quadriceps and regular strengthening exercises of the knee extensors.