Magnetic resonance imaging of bilateral lateral congenital dislocations of unossified patellae

We describe our experience using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the unossified dislocated cartilaginous patella in a 6-year-old male patient with restricted extension and flexion deformity of both knees. MRI is used widely in the visualization of cartilage since it can show cartilage directly. In addition, FS FLASH 3D sequence has recently been accepted as a suitable sequence in the evaluation of hyaline cartilage. MRI makes it possible to evaluate ligamentous, tendinous, muscular, and cartilaginous structures as well as the abnormalities related to them. We applied this technique in our case and found it very effective in locating the unossified dislocated cartilaginous patella. We also observed structural changes such as bilateral lateral displacement of short quadriceps tendon inserting into diminutive patella, insertion of bilateral patellar tendons into anterolateral tibia, and a stretching of the medial collateral ligament associated with valgus stress. (orig.)