Purpose: Patellar instability raises serious clinical and therapeutic problems in children. We present our results with the “soft baguette” technique used since 1974.

Material and methods: Sixty-four patients (50 girls and 14 boys) (85 knees) treated between 1974 and 2000 were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 140 months (14–234). For eight knees, section of the lateral wing of the patella was associated. The five types of patellar instability, from permanent dislocation to potential instability, were represented.

Results: At last follow-up, 84% of our patients were satisfied with significant improvement in pain, instability and patellar track. We had minor complications in 23.5% of the knees (haematoma, effusions) and eleven recurrences (9.5%) at mid- or long-term which were considered failures. There were no cases of epiphysiodesis. A neoTTA developed in eight cases, proving the efficacy of realignment of the medialised patellar ligament. Following changes in the mechanical axis of these knees revealed a clear trend towards increased valgus.

Discussion: The soft baguette technique has fulfilled expectations: stabilisation of the extensor system without injuring the growth cartilage, and trochlear remodelling for the younger patients. The trend towards increased valgus raises a problem. Because of this risk, if the initial valgum is greater than 5° we emphasise the theoretical importance of temporary medial epiphysiodesis associated with the soft baguette to control this potential source of recurrence and therapeutic failure.