Patellar dislocation: what to do about a dislocated kneecap?

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Knee pain

Help in cases of a dislocated kneecap

Very painful, suddenly occurring piercing at the front of the knee can have various causes. The most common cause is patellar dislocation, also known as a dislocated kneecap. Find out in this article how this is caused, what to do about symptoms, and what treatment options help.

During normal movements, the kneecap glides through its groove on the femur with every flexion and extension. Patellar dislocation can be caused by force applied from the side, such as a blow, distortion, or an impact. It is then referred to as a dislocated kneecap. That means the kneecap leaves its natural position in the groove on the femur or it shifts.

This indication is associated with very painful piercing at the front of the knee and can be caused by acute or previous knee injuries, based on anatomical factors. In young people or young adults, a dislocated kneecap occurs particularly often during sports.

Bildausschnitt eines Radfahres, der sich während einer Pause ans schmerzende Knie fasst. Erfahre, was du gegen Knieschmerzen beim Radfahren tun kannst.

Unfortunately, we can’t generally protect ourselves from a dislocated kneecap because its causes vary: just like body weight, genetic factors and awkward movements are risk factors. Inappropriate mechanical stress or acute injuries in particular, whether caused by a fall or trauma, sudden twisting or excessive stretching of the knee joint can force it into an unnatural position, resulting in a dislocated kneecap.

An unstable kneecap is a genetic predisposition in some people. This bears a higher risk of the patella leaving its position. Both genetic factors and muscle imbalance play an important role.

A general predisposition for excessively mobile joints can also impact kneecap stability and result in dislocation. By its very nature, the knee joint is designed for a very limited and strictly defined range of motion only. If this is exceeded, the kneecap may leave its groove.

Young people sometimes complain about knee pain while they’re growing. This can be caused by changes to the bone structure and muscles. If several factors come together during this growth phase, the kneecap may become dislocated more easily.

Some sports require rapid changes in direction, jumps, or excessive stretching. During these situations, the knee is subjected to much more strain than during other everyday activities. During certain sporting activities, such as dancing, gymnastics, or football, the risk of patellar dislocation is therefore increased.

A previous patellar dislocation can also increase the risk of the kneecap becoming dislocated again. However, supporting stabilization of the knee joint and the kneecap as well as treatment measures can significantly reduce this risk.

The common symptoms and problems listed below can be an indication of a dislocated kneecap:

Pain at the front of the knee: when the kneecap is forced out of its natural position, one of the main symptoms is a piercing, suddenly occurring pain at the front of the knee.
A feeling of instability: just like the piercing feeling at the front of the knee, those affected are suddenly aware when their kneecap unexpectedly leaves its groove or shifts. This is associated with an instant feeling of instability of the knee or the entire leg.
Limited mobility: when the kneecap has shifted, the knee’s range of motion will certainly be limited. In addition to pain, those affected will often report feeling a blockage.
Visible deformation of the knee: it is normally clearly visible when the kneecap has been forced out of its natural position and is dislocated. Instead of the usual shape of the knee, the kneecap will become visible and palpable on the side.

If you suspect you have suffered a patellar dislocation, you should seek medical advice right away. Only an accurate diagnosis provided by a physician can guarantee that appropriate treatment is started and potential long-term damage is minimized. Time is an important factor in this process. When the kneecap remains in an unnatural position, the ligaments stretch more and more with every minute. Any delay can therefore significantly slow down complete healing or make it much harder.

Even if the kneecap comes out of its groove only briefly or partially and returns to its natural position by itself, severe pain can occur. This is referred to as “patellar subluxation”. Seeking medical advice is recommend in this case, too, to prevent concomitant damage or treat it if required.

After taking your medical history, the treating physician will thoroughly examine your knee. This examination of the kneecap and the knee joint will provide key information about the injury. This is usually followed by resetting of the kneecap as well as other physical examinations. Usually, in cases of severe swelling in particular, X-rays or MRI images can be taken to determine the position of the kneecap and assess potential concomitant damage.

Das Bild zeigt eine Ärztin, die das Knie eines Patienten untersucht.

Recommended acute treatment measures include immobilization, rest, and elevation of the leg as well as cooling of the knee joint to reduce the swelling.

The way patellar dislocation is treated will depend on the individual situation. If the case is less serious, it may be sufficient to opt for non-surgical treatment followed by physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles and stabilize the kneecap.

However, when the condition is advanced or there is concomitant damage that cannot be cured with conservative measures, surgery may be considered to permanently stabilize the kneecap. This means: a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent long-term complications.

Eine Frau im Park macht Bewegungsübungen mit Kniebadage.

The objective of any treatment is the ideally complete restoration of knee joint functionality. The dislocation of the patella can excessively stretch the ligaments. Supporting stabilization of the kneecap in its natural position is therefore indispensable.

The healing duration following patellar dislocation not only depends on the physician. The patient’s will to get involved also plays a key part in successful healing. Oftentimes, the knee will remain unstable for many years, meaning the risk of the kneecap becoming dislocated again is very high.

In addition to kinesiotherapy to strengthen the joint-stabilizing muscles and ligaments, knee supports can help. They stabilize the kneecap to alleviate anterior knee pain and accelerate healing. Your physician can help you choose the appropriate product.

To our supports

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