J Knee Surg 2020; 33(01): 089-093
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676350
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Empty Sunrise Sign: An Arthroscopic Finding in Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

Craig Smith
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio
,
Jeffrey Otte
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio
,
Robert Steensen
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio
2   Orthopedic ONE, Hilliard, Ohio
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

07 May 2018

28 October 2018

Publication Date:
13 December 2018 (online)

Abstract

Patellar dislocation is a relatively common knee injury and can be challenging to diagnose. We describe an arthroscopic finding we noted in recurrent patellar dislocation. Arthroscopic photos were evaluated from 50 knees with a history patellar dislocation and 100 control patients. We quantified the amount of patellar subluxation seen on a single arthroscopic view and coined it Empty Sunrise Sign if the patella did not overlap the trochlea. Empty Sunrise Sign was found in 82% of 50 cases with recurrent patellar dislocation and none of the 100 control cases. The finding was 100% specific for identifying a recurrent patellar dislocator. High interobserver agreement was noted. Empty Sunrise Sign suggests significant capsular laxity. This may need to be considered in the surgical treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation.

 
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