PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess whether early surgical intervention for first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients is superior to conservative management. We hypothesized that surgical intervention would lead to lower redislocation rates compared to conservative treatment.MethodsThree online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 14 March 2024 to identify studies investigating the management options for acute first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients. Data pertaining to patient demographics, patient management, redislocation rates and Kujala scores, evaluating function, were abstracted. Weighted means and meta‐analyses were conducted to compare rates of redislocation, as well as Kujala scores. The quality of included studies was assessed using the methodological index for non‐randomized studies criteria for non‐randomized studies and the ROB2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).ResultsA total of 11 studies and 761 patients were included in this review. The weighted mean post‐operative combined rates of redislocation in the surgical group was 25.1%, compared to 46.4% in the conservative group at a mean follow‐up of 53.2 months (12–168). The relative risk (RR) of redislocation was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65‐1.04, I2 = 0%, p = 0.11), favouring surgery compared to conservative management. A subgroup meta‐analysis of two recent RCTs with 110 patients demonstrated an RR of redislocation of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.91, I2 = 0%, p = 0.02), favouring surgery. Kujala scores among three comparative studies showed a mean difference of −2.7 (95% CI: −6.1 to 0.68, I2 = 0%, p = 0.12), favouring conservative treatment. The weighted mean redislocation rate in 131 patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) was 3.1%, compared to 39.4% in 203 patients undergoing other surgical procedures, such as lateral release and medial imbrication, Roux‐Goldwaith and MPFL repair. Furthermore, the conservative groups experienced a complication rate of 0.9% compared to 2.9% across the surgical groups.ConclusionSurgical management for first‐time patellar dislocations in a paediatric population, particularly MPFLR, may be more beneficial in lowering redislocation rates than conservative management. No significant differences in Kujala scores were found.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
