Conditions

Patella Instability and Dislocation

What is patella dislocation and instability?

Patella instability could be a result of either subluxation or patella dislocation. Due to trauma, your patella may completely slide or partially move out of its groove. When your kneecap pushes out of its groove, this is referred to as chronic patella instability.

What are some of the reasons for patella instability?

Contact sports are one of the main causes of patella instability. After your first knee dislocation, there's a high probability that you'll remain prone to recurrent patella dislocation.

What are the signs of patella instability?

Other than a limited range of knee motion, you will experience signs of patella instability that include:

  • Buckled or locked knees
  • Knee pain
  • Stiff knees
  • Pain after sitting for an extended period
  • Pain at the front side of your knee that worsens after exercise
  • Popping sensation in your knee
  • Kneecap slips outside its usual position.

How is patella instability treated?

Dr Botha will at first diagnose patella instability by examining you and requesting an x-ray and MRI. Before the doctor orders diagnostic tests, she asks about your medical history and performs a physical examination to check for signs of subluxation or patella dislocation.

Surgery becomes necessary when your kneecap doesn’t move back into its groove or if recurrent dislocations occur. After initial treatment such as rest, crutches and knee braces fail to work, Dr Botha suggests surgery to correct the issue. Also, if you suffer from acute patella dislocation with an osteochondral fragment, the doctor will perform surgery to remove loose bodies. If there’s a ruptured medial patellofemoral ligament, the surgeon may have to reconstruct the ligament through surgery.

In cases of recurrent patella dislocations, the surgeon will have to realign your kneecap in its accurate position. Based on your diagnosis, Dr Botha will decide on the most suitable surgical procedure. The procedure may either be an arthroscopy or open surgery that includes an osteotomy.

1How do you repair an unstable patella?
Dr Botha performs arthroscopic surgery to stabilise and strengthen an unstable patella. Partial dislocation can be treated non-surgically through physical therapy and bracing. Your doctor will suggest exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles so the kneecap stays in place.
2How does patella dislocation occur?
The kneecap can pop out of place toward the side due to an injury, sudden fall or force applied to the knee. A dislocated kneecap is incredibly painful and must be corrected to help you return to normal.
3Can you pop your dislocated kneecap in place?
Usually, a dislocated kneecap corrects itself even without surgical treatment. However, at times, surgery is required. Surgery to stabilise the kneecap involves repairing an important ligament, the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), that acts as the restraint between the femur and patella.
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