For a patient experiencing a lateral dislocation of the patella, which technique is recommended to reduce the dislocation?

For a patient experiencing a lateral dislocation of the patella, the recommended technique involves applying medially directed pressure while extending the leg. This method is effective because it counteracts the dislocation by aligning the patella back into its proper groove in the femur. The combination of applying pressure toward the inside (medially) and extending the leg helps to encourage the patella to glide back into place.

In cases of lateral dislocation, the patella has shifted away from its normal position, and the proper alignment is crucial for restoring function and alleviating pain. Extending the leg while applying this medial pressure takes advantage of the natural mechanics of the knee joint and aids in reducing the dislocation effectively and safely.

Other approaches, such as a quick yank, could risk further injury or damage to the surrounding structures. Pulling the leg laterally would exacerbate the dislocation rather than rectify it, and applying medial pressure while bending the knee does not support the biomechanical restoration necessary for reducing a lateral dislocation. Therefore, the method involving medially directed pressure with the leg extended is the most reliable and effective for addressing this type of injury.