Comparing Surgery vs. Physical Therapy for First-Time Kneecap Dislocations

This study is comparing two ways to treat a first-time patella (kneecap) dislocation: surgery (medial patellofemoral reconstruction) or physical therapy (non-operative group). Doctors want to see which treatment is better at preventing your kneecap from dislocating again and improving your knee function. You can join if you are 12 years or older, have had your first kneecap dislocation, and are seen by the Columbia University Shoulder Elbow and Sports Medicine Service. The study will measure success by looking at changes in your knee function using a questionnaire at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. The current recruitment status is unclear, and the study plans to enroll 200 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two treatment approaches for first-time kneecap dislocations. It aims to enroll 200 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your knee function will be measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05533671

Conservative Versus Operative - First Time Patella Dislocations

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 12+InterventionalTreatment
Columbia University
~200 participants
Updated 2025-09-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:medial patellofemoral reconstructionNon-operative group

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 2 weeks
Measured over Baseline and 2 weeks
+8 more outcomes measured
Patella Dislocation

NCT05533671

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center

    New York, New Yorkstudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • David Trofa, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

age 12 and older
patients seen by the Columbia University Shoulder Elbow and Sports Medicine Service
patients who experience a first-time patella dislocation

Exclusion

coexistent ligament injury or osteochondral fracture necessitating acute surgical intervention
previous knee surgery
knee instability prior to injury
inability or unwillingness to adhere to study participate
lost to follow up
  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 2 weeksBaseline and 2 weeks

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 6 weeksBaseline and 6 weeks

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 3 monthsBaseline and 3 months

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 6 monthsBaseline and 6 months

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 1 yearBaseline and 1 year

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 2 yearsBaseline and 2 years

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 5 yearsBaseline and 5 years

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Change in Kujala Questionnaire Score at 10 yearsBaseline and 10 years

    The Kujala questionnaire assess symptoms and limitations that a patient may experience as a result of a knee injury. Scores range from 0-100 with a higher score indicating less limitation. Scores will be reported at each time point.

  • Time to first re-dislocationUp to 10 years

    Time to first re-dislocation following intervention, measured in weeks