Our specialised experts here at Prestige Healthcare are highly experienced in treating complex conditions of the knee and we have a multi-disciplinary approach that involves all of our healthcare professionals working together to get you back to fitness. Many of the people we treat are returned to tip-top performance without the need for surgery.

The patella ( kneecap )  sits over the front of the knee joint. It glides over a groove in the joint when you straighten or bend your knee. When the kneecap dislocates, it moves out of this groove and the supporting tissues can overstretch or tear. A dislocated kneecap should be treated promptly and investigated properly.

What are the common causes?

Kneecap dislocation is an uncommon injury usually caused by a sudden change in direction or when the leg hits the ground.  It’s often seen in teenagers and people who have hypermobile joints.

. Signs and symptoms are:

• sometimes you hear a ‘crack’
• kneecap may feel or look out of joint
• surrounding tissue swells up very quickly
• extreme painful
• unable to walk

The  kneecap can spontaneously correct itself soon afterward, which can mean the diagnosis is not made when it’s later seen by a knee specialist.

If it’s not the first time you’ve dislocated your kneecap and you’ve managed to gently manipulate the kneecap back into place, with no major injury, there may be no need to go to the hospital. Sit with your leg outstretched and keep it still. Either straighten your knee or ask someone to gently lift up your foot. The kneecap will usually correct itself and the pain should rapidly fade. You can manage any swelling by holding an ice pack to your knee for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day of your injury, and every few hours for the few days that follow. If the kneecap dislocates for the second time or more, a surgical procedure is often necessary to correct the problem and prevent further dislocation.

How is it treated?

If it’s the first time you’ve dislocated your kneecap , a doctor will need to manipulate it back into place in a procedure called a reduction. You may be given medication to sedate you to ensure you are relaxed and free from pain. When the kneecap is back in place, you may have further tests to check the bones are in the correct position and there is no other injury.

You’ll need a course of rehabilitation to recover. Our physiotherapists here at Prestige healthcare will give you some exercises, such as straight leg raises, to do at home or in the gym to help strengthen the leg muscles and improve the movement of your knee. You probably won’t need supervised treatment if you’re managing recurrent dislocations yourself. There is a better chance of preventing the kneecap dislocating again if you regularly do the exercises our physiotherapists recommend.

Surgery would only be necessary if there is a fracture with a piece of bone floating in the knee.

For more information about Knee dislocation in general, or to have an assessment, or some treatment contact us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us.