What You Need to Know
Imagine this: A young athlete is sprinting down the field when they suddenly pivot to change direction. In that split second, they feel a sharp pain in their knee, and before they know it, their kneecap has shifted out of place. This is a common scenario for someone with a patella dislocation—an injury where the kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal position in the groove at the front of the thigh bone (femur).
What Is a Patella Dislocation?
The patella moves up and down in a groove as you bend and straighten your knee. When the patella is pulled out of this groove, typically towards the outside of the knee, it results in a patella dislocation. This can happen during a sudden change in direction, especially when the foot is firmly planted, or from a direct blow to the knee, such as in a tackle.
How Does a Patella Dislocation Feel?
If you’ve dislocated your patella, you might feel:
- Sharp pain and swelling at the front of the knee
- Difficulty straightening your knee
- A visible shift of the kneecap to the outside of the knee
- A kneecap that moves more than usual (hypermobile)
In the case of our athlete, they experienced all of these symptoms, and their knee was visibly out of place.
Diagnosing a Patella Dislocation
A thorough physical exam and medical history will usually confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are typically used to check for any bone damage, and an MRI can help identify any torn ligaments or cartilage injuries, which is crucial in determining the right treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Patella Dislocation
Non-Surgical Treatment
For a first-time patella dislocation, non-surgical treatment is usually the way to go. The doctor will gently push the kneecap back into its proper position, and then the knee is stabilized with an immobilizer or cast for a few weeks. To manage pain and swelling, rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended. Physical therapy will follow, aimed at restoring strength and range of motion.
Surgical Treatment
If the patella keeps dislocating (recurrent dislocation), or if there is a loose piece of cartilage in the joint after the dislocation, surgery may be necessary. In some cases, surgery can be done arthroscopically (through keyhole incisions) to remove any loose fragments.
For recurrent dislocations, there’s often a tear in the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), a ligament that helps keep the kneecap in place. In this case, the MPFL can be surgically reconstructed using a tendon graft to stabilize the knee and prevent future dislocations. After surgery, physical therapy is crucial for recovery, helping to strengthen the knee and regain full mobility.
By addressing the problem early—whether through non-surgical or surgical treatment—you can avoid long-term issues with knee instability.