Intercondylar dislocation of the patella with vertical axis rotation

A rare case is presented of intercondylar dislocation of the patella with vertical axis rotation. The injury was the result of blunt trauma directed to the lateral border of the patella. The patient presented with the knee locked in full extension and with a vertical ridge-shaped deformity caused by the medial border of the patella facing anteriorly. Reduction was accomplished under intravenous conscious sedation by manipulation.