What is the recommended reduction maneuver for a patellar dislocation?

What is the recommended reduction maneuver for a patellar dislocation?

• A. Hyperextension of knee and flexing hip
• B. Extension of knee with external rotation
• C. Flexion of knee with abduction
• D. Internal rotation of tibia

Answer: (A)

When a patellar dislocation occurs, the goal is to push the patella back into the trochlear groove while relaxing the thigh muscles so it can glide medially. The recommended maneuver is to extend the knee while the hip is flexed, with gentle medial pressure on the patella to guide it into place. Flexing the hip helps relax the rectus femoris, reducing resistance from the quadriceps and allowing smooth reduction as the knee straightens. Other options don’t align the patella back into position: extending with external tibial rotation, bending the knee with abduction, or rotating the tibia internally don’t promote the medial realignment needed and may worsen the dislocation or cause discomfort.

When a patellar dislocation occurs, the goal is to push the patella back into the trochlear groove while relaxing the thigh muscles so it can glide medially. The recommended maneuver is to extend the knee while the hip is flexed, with gentle medial pressure on the patella to guide it into place. Flexing the hip helps relax the rectus femoris, reducing resistance from the quadriceps and allowing smooth reduction as the knee straightens. Other options don’t align the patella back into position: extending with external tibial rotation, bending the knee with abduction, or rotating the tibia internally don’t promote the medial realignment needed and may worsen the dislocation or cause discomfort.