Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female adolescents between 11-17 years * Medical diagnosis of 1st time lateral patellar instability episode (dislocation or subluxation) * Subjective history of knee shifting, instability, popping out, knee effusion * Apprehension test is positive and has medial patellar tenderness * Referred to the Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) outpatient sports medicine clinic from an emergency room facility, urgent care or pediatrician within 10 days of the injury. * Free of co-morbidities that would prevent or limit rehabilitation including cardiac, pulmonary, psychiatric (except Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), orthopedic, neurological * Must be able to follow directions and participate in rehabilitation protocol for the 3-month study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Imaging or clinical findings suggest surgical intervention is needed i.e. fracture, osteochondral defect, Lachman or other positive knee ligament special tests.