A dislocated patella occurs when the kneecap or patella in front of your knee moves out of its normal position. Also called patellar dislocation, a dislocated patella may be caused by abnormal alignment of the bones forming the knee joint. In some cases, a direct trauma or blow to the patella may cause it to move out of place.
Causes of Patellar (Patella) Dislocation
Dislocated patella can happen when the person rapidly changes direction (turning or twisting of the knee) when his or her foot is firmly planted on the ground. Abnormal knee alignment or laxity of supporting structures, such as the quadriceps muscle and ligaments, may increase the likelihood of dislocating the patella.
Direct trauma to the kneecap, such as falling on the knee or a direct blow to the patella, can cause the condition, as well.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a dislocated patella may include
Sometimes you may hear a creaking sound when you try to move your injured leg. In some cases, however, the dislocated patella moves back to its normal position spontaneously with some relief of pain. This may still need to be looked at by your healthcare provider to see if other knee structures may be damaged.
What You Can Do – First Aid Treatment
Avoid unnecessary movement of your injured leg especially if pain worsens or there is an obvious deformity. Do not attempt to relocate the dislocated patella on your own. Try to stabilize your leg and apply a splint or have someone do it for you. Seek medical help immediately. Applying an ice pack wrapped in towel may help ease your pain and swelling during your travel to the emergency room.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will likely ask about your activity that led to your injury. He or she will also perform a thorough physical examination of your knee. You may be asked to straighten and bend your knee.
Your doctor may recommend a knee x-ray to see whether other knee structures are intact or damaged.
Treatments
If your kneecap is dislocated, your doctor will perform a procedure called reduction to put back your dislocated kneecap to its proper place. In some cases, the patella moves back to its normal place spontaneously.
An immobilizer or a cast will be applied for several weeks to help restrict knee movement and allow healing.
After your immobilizer or cast has been removed, you may need to undergo physical therapy to help improve your muscle strength and knee joint range of motion.
If damage to the underside of your patella or other ends of bones comprising your knee is found, surgery to repair these damaged areas may be needed. Your doctor will discuss with you which appropriate procedure is best for you.
Dislocated Patella Physical Therapy (Rehabilitation)
If your knee has been immobilized for a long time, supporting muscles tend to weaken and your knee joint may become stiff. Physical therapy can help you find the best and safest exercises to help strengthen your weak muscles, especially your quadriceps muscle. In addition, your physical therapist uses modalities to help you gain normal knee joint motion.
The main goal of your knee rehabilitation is to return you to your usual activities or sport as fast and safely possible.
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Causes of Patellar (Patella) Dislocation
Dislocated patella can happen when the person rapidly changes direction (turning or twisting of the knee) when his or her foot is firmly planted on the ground. Abnormal knee alignment or laxity of supporting structures, such as the quadriceps muscle and ligaments, may increase the likelihood of dislocating the patella.
Direct trauma to the kneecap, such as falling on the knee or a direct blow to the patella, can cause the condition, as well.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a dislocated patella may include
- Pain in front of the knee
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Difficulty straightening the knee
- Kneecap moves towards the outer side of the knee (laterally)
- Difficulty walking
- Stiffness
Sometimes you may hear a creaking sound when you try to move your injured leg. In some cases, however, the dislocated patella moves back to its normal position spontaneously with some relief of pain. This may still need to be looked at by your healthcare provider to see if other knee structures may be damaged.
What You Can Do – First Aid Treatment
Avoid unnecessary movement of your injured leg especially if pain worsens or there is an obvious deformity. Do not attempt to relocate the dislocated patella on your own. Try to stabilize your leg and apply a splint or have someone do it for you. Seek medical help immediately. Applying an ice pack wrapped in towel may help ease your pain and swelling during your travel to the emergency room.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will likely ask about your activity that led to your injury. He or she will also perform a thorough physical examination of your knee. You may be asked to straighten and bend your knee.
Your doctor may recommend a knee x-ray to see whether other knee structures are intact or damaged.
Treatments
If your kneecap is dislocated, your doctor will perform a procedure called reduction to put back your dislocated kneecap to its proper place. In some cases, the patella moves back to its normal place spontaneously.
An immobilizer or a cast will be applied for several weeks to help restrict knee movement and allow healing.
After your immobilizer or cast has been removed, you may need to undergo physical therapy to help improve your muscle strength and knee joint range of motion.
If damage to the underside of your patella or other ends of bones comprising your knee is found, surgery to repair these damaged areas may be needed. Your doctor will discuss with you which appropriate procedure is best for you.
Dislocated Patella Physical Therapy (Rehabilitation)
If your knee has been immobilized for a long time, supporting muscles tend to weaken and your knee joint may become stiff. Physical therapy can help you find the best and safest exercises to help strengthen your weak muscles, especially your quadriceps muscle. In addition, your physical therapist uses modalities to help you gain normal knee joint motion.
The main goal of your knee rehabilitation is to return you to your usual activities or sport as fast and safely possible.
Suggested Readings
View More Topics On:
Conditions / Injuries | Physical Therapy | Health and Wellness
P.S.: Thank you for visiting our website. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your family or friends by clicking on the Share Buttons below. Thank You!
Disclaimer
