Rehabilitation following first-time patellar dislocation: a randomised controlled trial of purported vastus medialis obliquus muscle versus general quadriceps strengthening exercises

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

50 patients with first-time patellar dislocation (FTPD) were randomized to receive physical therapy that focused on either general quadriceps exercises or specific vastus medialis exercises. The purpose of the study was to compare these programs in terms of functional outcomes 12 months after randomization in patients with FTPD. The results indicated a slight benefit of the general quadriceps exercise in terms of Lysholm knee scores and Tegner activity level at 12 months, however none of the differences reached clinical significance. NPI scores and isometric knee extension strength were similar between groups at all time points. It should be noted that there was a significant loss to follow-up in this trial.