Don’t Do This Case Report: Recurrence of Knee Flexion Contracture After Extension Osteotomy in Congenital Dislocation of The Patella

Congenital dislocation of the patella (CDP) is an uncommon disorder, which presents with hypoplastic, irreducible patellae. It is accompanied by knee flexion contracture, external rotation of the tibia, and genu valgus. We present the case of a seven-year-old girl with CDP, who was misdiagnosed as having cerebral palsy crouch gait and underwent distal femoral extension osteotomy, without paying attention to the dislocated patellae. Recurrence ensued, and the patient was referred for further evaluation. After a second surgery to address the dislocated patellae, the flexion contracture and gait pattern improved significantly. This case underscores the importance of a systematic, thorough physical examination, without which uncommon diagnoses will be overlooked, exposing the patient to further morbidity and complications.