This entity was first reported by Beals in 1978. In this condition there is painful, spontaneous, audible popping of one or both knees. This occurs in infants and children and the causative factor is lateral displacement of the tibiofemoral joint.
It appears to be caused by an isolated contraction of the biceps femoris muscle in association with capsular laxity.
Radiograms in the anteroposterior projection will show lateral subluxation of the tibiofemoral joint.
The proximal tibiofibular articulation is normal.
Treatment
Part-time splinting of the knee in extension will provide symptomatic relief of the painful, irritable knee. A conservative, nonsurgical approach to management should be followed
As the child gets older and the joint capsular hyperlaxity diminishes, the episodes of involuntary subluxation cease.
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