Rehabilitation following first-time patellar dislocation: A randomised controlled trial of purported vastus medialis obliquus muscle versus general quadriceps strengthening exercises

• There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of VMO versus general quadriceps exercises.
• The results suggest limited difference between the two exercises for FTPD.
• Trials of people post-FTPD present with recruitment and retention challenges.

BackgroundWe aimed to define whether distal vastus medialis (VM) muscle strengthening improves functional outcomes compared to general quadriceps muscle strengthening following first-time patellar dislocation (FTPD).MethodsFifty patients post-FTPD were randomised to either a general quadriceps exercise or rehabilitation programme (n = 25) or a specific-VM exercise and rehabilitation regime (n = 25). The primary outcome was the Lysholm knee score, and secondary outcomes included the Tegner Level of Activity score, the Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) score, and isometric knee extension strength at various knee flexion ranges of motion. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, six weeks, six months and 12 months.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in functional outcome and activity levels with the Lysholm knee score and Tegner Level of Activity score at 12 months in the general quadriceps exercise group compared to the VM group (p = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): − 14.0 to 0.0/p = 0.04; 95% CI: − 3.0 to 0.0). This did not reach a clinically important difference. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the NPI score and isometric strength at any follow-up interval. The trial experienced substantial participant attrition (52% at 12 months).ConclusionsWhilst there was a statistical difference in the Lysholm knee score and Tegner Level of Activity score between general quadriceps and VM exercise groups at 12 months, this may not have necessarily been clinically important. This trial highlights that participant recruitment and retention are challenges which should be considered when designing future trials in this population.Level of evidenceTherapeutic study, Level I