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Patellar dislocation — DipIMC MCQ

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ModeratePre-Hospital Trauma ManagementPatellar dislocationDipIMC

A 21-year-old footballer has a lateral patellar dislocation with severe pain. Distal pulses and sensation are normal, and there is no high-energy mechanism. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Give analgesia and consider gentle reduction by trained clinicians

Simple patellar dislocation may be reduced pre-hospital by trained clinicians after analgesia and neurovascular assessment. Forceful manipulation without analgesia is poor practice. Tourniquets and pelvic binders do not address the pathology. The pearl is that early reduction can dramatically reduce pain, but reassessment and documentation before and after are essential.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025