Patellar dislocation

Alternative names:

dislocation of the knee cap; injury - knee - patellar; injury - patella; knee cap dislocation; knee injury - patellar

Treatment:

Initial treatment consists of a knee immobilizer or cylinder cast with the leg almost fully extended for 3 weeks, followed by gentle active range-of-motion (ROM) exercises. Physical therapy should be involved to help regain joint and leg strength. Surgery may be necessary; this may be either knee arthroscopy or "open" surgical reconstruction.

Expectations (prognosis):

The joint usually heals without problems.

Complications:

• weakness of the joint, making it more susceptible to reinjury
• chronic pain

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you injure your knee and symptoms of patellar dislocation occur.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for a patellar dislocation and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not appear to be resolving with time.

Also call if you reinjure your knee.