Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background First-time patellar dislocation is a common sporting injury in adolescents and young adults. Approximately one in three patellar dislocations managed non-surgically will experience recurrence within three years. Consequently, literature synthesis is needed to identify influences upon management and outcomes and determine the consistency of clinical recommendations for non-surgical management of first-time patellar dislocation. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist of publications reporting on non-surgical management of primary patellar dislocation. Six electronic databases were searched for publications from inception to 1 May 2026. Publications were grouped by nature of the study design (trials, consensus publications and reviews) and by interventions explored, with themes narratively synthesised. Results 60 articles met the eligibility criteria of this review. Of the included articles, 43 were trials, 8 scoping or systematic reviews, 5 consensus publications, 1 modified Delphi and 3 surveys. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of different non-surgical interventions including bracing, immobilisation and exercise regimes on re-dislocation risk and function. Management recommendations in consensus publications reflect this variability and changes in preferred management over time. Age and the presence of specific anatomical risk-factors appear to more strongly influence non-surgical outcomes, whilst treatment selection and injury-related pathology may also influence re-dislocation risk. Conclusions Non-surgical outcomes following first-time patellar dislocation are likely to be dependent on both individual patient characteristics, such as age and patellofemoral anatomy, and the treatment received. The evidence supports the routine use of exercise rehabilitation, the avoidance of complete immobilisation and consideration of short-term bracing, although the optimal treatment considerate of a patient’s specific anatomical and pathological characteristics remains unclear. Future research should prioritise aligning non-surgical treatment strategies with individual risk profiles.</p>