A 16-year-old girl sustains a first-time traumatic lateral dislocation of the patella while dancing. It reduces spontaneously. MRI later shows fluid signal over the medial aspect of the patella. Which structure is most commonly injured in this injury pattern?
- A Lateral patellofemoral ligament
- B Medial patellofemoral ligament ✓
- C Anterior cruciate ligament
- D Patellar tendon
Correct answer: B. Medial patellofemoral ligament
Explanation
The medial patellofemoral ligament is the primary restraint against lateral patellar translation and is torn in nearly all traumatic lateral patellar dislocations, typically at its femoral attachment. Osteochondral fragments from the medial patellar facet may accompany it. The ACL and patellar tendon are not part of this injury pattern, and there is no clinically significant lateral patellofemoral ligament.
Reference: DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.