Dislocation – kneecap; Patellar dislocation or instability

Kneecap dislocation occurs when the triangle-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. The problem usually occurs toward the outside of the leg.

Causes

Kneecap (patella) dislocation is often seen in women. It usually occurs after a sudden change in direction when your leg is planted. This puts your kneecap under stress.

Dislocation may also occur as a result of direct trauma. When the kneecap is dislocated, it can slip sideways to the outside of the knee.

Symptoms

Symptoms of kneecap dislocation include:

• The knee appears to be deformed
• The knee is bent and cannot be straightened out
• Kneecap (patella) dislocates to the outside of the knee
• Knee pain and tenderness
• Knee swelling
• “Sloppy” kneecap — you can move the kneecap too much from right to left (hypermobile patella)

The first few times this occurs, you will feel pain and be unable to walk. However, if dislocations continue to occur and are untreated, you may feel less pain and have a less immediate disability. This is not a reason to avoid treatment. Kneecap dislocation damages your knee joint.

First Aid

If you can, straighten out your knee. If it is stuck and painful to move, stabilize (splint) the knee and get medical attention.

Your health care provider will examine your knee. This may confirm that the kneecap is dislocated.

A knee x-ray and, sometimes, MRIs should be done to make sure that the dislocation did not cause a broken bone or cartilage damage. If tests show that you have no damage, your knee will be placed into an immobilizer or cast to prevent you from moving it. you will need to wear this for several weeks (usually about 3 weeks).

After this time, physical therapy can help build back your muscle strength and improve the knee’s range of motion.

If there is damage to the bone and cartilage, or if the kneecap continues to be unstable, you may need surgery to stabilize the kneecap. This may be done using arthroscopic or open surgery.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you injure your knee and have symptoms of dislocation.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for a dislocated knee and you notice:

• Increased instability in your knee
• Pain or swelling return after they went away
• Your injury does not appear to be getting better with time

Also call if you re-injure your knee.

Prevention

Use proper techniques when exercising or playing sports. Keep your knee strong and flexible.

Some cases of knee dislocation may not be preventable, especially if physical factors make you more likely to dislocate your knee.