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REHABILITATION FOR A 16-YEAR-OLD PATIENT WITH RECURRENT PATELLOFEMORAL DISLOCATION

REHABILITATION FOR A 16-YEAR-OLD PATIENT WITH RECURRENT PATELLOFEMORAL DISLOCATION

18/03/2026

Patient G.H. (16 years old, Indian) has a history of injury sustained while playing football one year ago. At the American International Hospital (AIH) at that time, the patient was examined and diagnosed with a right patellar dislocation. Conservative treatment was indicated, consisting of a Tutuer cast for 3 weeks, combined with physical therapy after cast removal. After 6 weeks, the knee joint condition was stable, the patient resumed normal daily activities, and began returning to sports after the third month.

Recently, during class, while performing a sudden knee flexion movement, patient G.H. experienced sudden, severe pain and was unable to move their right knee, necessitating emergency transport to AIH. Following clinical examination and a knee MRI, MSc. Dr. Nguyen Hong Trung - Specialist in Orthopedic Surgery and Medical Director of American International Hospital (AIH) - assessed the injury as a complete rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament resulting in patellar dislocation. 

According to Dr. Nguyen Hong Trung, for cases of recurrent patellar dislocation, conservative treatment often yields suboptimal results, particularly in young, athletic patients. Based on the patient's clinical history and the severity of current injuries, the physician has indicated surgical reconstruction of the patellar stabilizing structures to mitigate the risk of future redislocation. The procedure performed is a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, augmented with an autologous hamstring tendon graft, which serves to restore the ligamentous system, thereby maintaining the patella in a stable position during physical activity.

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Nguyen Hong Trung, MD, MSc performed a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, augmented with an autologous hamstring tendon graft for the patient.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE AND REHABILITATION TO MAINTAIN KNEE JOINT STABILITY

Following surgery, patient received postoperative care according to an optimized protocol, with a primary focus on effective pain management to facilitate the recovery process. Anesthesiologists utilized nerve Caplock technique to achieve superior pain control, minimize the side effects of drugs, and facilitate early postoperative mobilization.

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The surgical team collaborated seamlessly, ensuring the surgery was performed safely and effectively.

Thanks to effective pain management, within just 24 hours, the patient was able to initiate an early rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physical therapist. Early mobilization helps improve the range of motion of the knee joint, enhances the strength of the periarticular muscles, and contributes to shortening the patient's recovery time.

UNDERSTANDING PATELLOFEMORAL DISLOCATION AND STRATEGIES FOR RECURRENCE PREVENTION

According to Nguyen Hong Trung, MD, MSc the knee joint is a major articulation connecting the femur and the tibia, structured by a system of ligaments, articular cartilage, and menisci that provide stability and minimize friction during movement. The primary functions of the knee joint include flexion and extension of the lower leg, weight-bearing, and facilitating locomotion such as walking, standing, running, and jumping. The patella serves both to protect the anterior aspect of the knee joint and acts as a fulcrum, enhancing the efficiency and stability of knee joint motion. Due to the significant mechanical loads it bears and its involvement in various physical activities, the knee joint is highly susceptible to injury from direct trauma or sudden rotation of the knee.

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The knee joint is a major articulation connecting the femur and the tibia, structured by a system of ligaments, articular cartilage, and menisci.

Patellar dislocation is one of the injuries that can occur at the knee joint, commonly seen in young people, especially those who frequently participate in sports activities. In many cases, the injury occurs when the patient performs sudden knee rotation or changes direction quickly while running or jumping, situations common in sports such as soccer and basketball… At this moment, the patella slides out of the femoral groove, causing instability in the knee joint, resulting in pain and loss of joint mobility. Additionally, injuries during daily activities or certain congenital abnormalities of the knee joint structure, such as a shallow femoral groove, loose ligaments, or abnormal lower limb alignment, can also increase the risk of patellar dislocation.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Trung recommends that when abnormal signs appear in the knee joint following an injury, the patient should seek medical examination early, especially when there are symptoms such as sudden pain, swelling, or the inability to move the knee joint normally. Through diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays or MRI, doctors can accurately assess the extent of the injury and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

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When abnormal signs appear in the knee joint after an injury, the patient should be examined early.

Above all, following treatment, the patient must attend periodic follow-up appointments to allow the physician to monitor the recovery process, assess the range of motion of the knee joint and the endurance of the muscle groups surrounding the joint, and timely detect any risks of injury or recurrence, thereby enabling appropriate adjustments to the treatment and rehabilitation plan. 

With a team of highly experienced physicians and a system of modern medical equipment, the Department of Orthopedics at the American International Hospital (AIH) provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions for musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. From conservative treatment methods, ligament reconstruction surgery using advanced techniques to personalized rehabilitation programs, the team of experts at AIH always aims to optimize treatment outcome, helping patients recover mobility quickly, reduce the risk of recurrence, and return to an active life earlier. 

To register for an examination and treatment with Nguyen Hong Trung, MD, MSc please contact our hotline at (028) 3910 9999 or inbox our Fanpage at https://m.me/aih.com.vn

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):
☎ Hotline: 1900 3399 || (028) 3910 9999​
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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