Abstract
Treatment of first patellar dislocation is usually conservative and the subsequent
rehabilitation program is based on specifically formulated objectives, which can be
divided into different stages: stage 1: resolution of pain, swelling and inflammation;
stage 2: recovery of joint motion and flexibility; stage 3: recovery of muscle strength;
stage 4: recovery of motor patterns and coordination; and stage 5: recovery of the
sportspecific athletic action and return to sporting activity. The aim, in the management
of a patient affected by first patellar dislocation, is to achieve the best possible
functional recovery: since this is a condition often affecting young athletes, this
means returning them to their pre-injury conditions, both in terms of fitness and
the level of sporting activity practiced. By proceeding through functional stages,
the risk of recurrence of the dislocation can be reduced. The “go-ahead” to resume
sporting activity can only be given in the presence of normal results on sport-specific
functional tests.
Key Words
athlete - dislocation - patella - rehabilitation - sport
