Dislocation - kneecap; Patellar dislocation or instability

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

Your health care provider will examine the knee, which could 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 bone to break or cartilage to be damaged. If tests show that you have no such damage, your knee will be placed into an immobilizer or cast to prevent you from moving it 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 the knee remains unstable, you may need surgery to stabilize the kneecap. This may be done using arthroscopic or open surgery.

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.

Images

Patellar dislocation

Arthroscopy

Review Date: 06/13/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)