Physical Therapy Management and Return to Sport for an Adolescent Female with Patellar Instability: A Case Report

Background: While conservative management for primary patellar dislocation is often stated to be the best first line treatment. Studies researching conservative treatment for primary patellar dislocation scarcely state specific treatment interventions. This case highlights the physical therapy management of primary patellar instability. Case Description: The patient was a 12-year-old female athlete who reported to physical therapy two weeks after experiencing a first-time patellar subluxation. The patient reported right knee pain and a feeling of instability and had not been participating in her school or club soccer since the onset of injury. This patient and her mother’s primary goals were to return to sport and avoid future injuries. Intervention: The patient completed seven physical therapy visits over the course of four weeks. Treatment interventions included: lower extremity strengthening, neuromuscular control training, patient education, and a progressing home exercise program. Outcome Measures: Outcome measures assessed were manual muscle testing, and functional testing via a single leg hop test. Discussion: Following four weeks of physical therapy treatments this patient’s outcomes cleared her to return to sport without restrictions. This case report describes the rehabilitation and return to sport testing performed on an adolescent female after experiencing first time patellar subluxation, as well as the clinical reasoning involved in her treatment.