Return to Play after Patellar Stabilization

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the existing literature regarding return to play (RTP) and return to prior performance (RPP) following patellar stabilization surgery. It will also discuss suggested guidelines regarding RTP, and finally, to encourage future patellofemoral instability research to report and publish results of RTP rates using standardized RTP guidelines.There is a lack of validation and universal adoption of standardized RTP guidelines. This has led to a dearth of high-quality studies on RTP and RPP after patellar stabilization. The best available studies to date would suggest high RTP rates (84%-100%), average RPP rates (33%-77%), and a highly variable timeframe for return (3-12 months). Patellofemoral instability can be a persistent and challenging problem, particularly in the young and active population for which it most often occurs. Much of the previous studies on patellofemoral instability evaluated success and failure as prevention of recurrent dislocation. However, prevention of recurrence alone may not be enough for many patients. The best available data on RTP and RPP following patellofemoral instability is based on lower quality of evidence studies, expert opinion, and published societal guidelines. Future research on this topic should include clinical validation of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) RTP guidelines and reporting of outcomes based on these guidelines in patellofemoral instability publications.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s12178-018-9484-1

View details for Web of Science ID 000433204500014

View details for PubMedID 29750318

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5970119