Kneecap Dislocation

Your kneecap, or patella, covers and protects your joint. If your leg suddenly twists or sustains a blow, your kneecap could slide out of place. A dislocated patella may hurt, make it hard for you to walk, and damage your joint. To preserve your well-being and restore as much function as possible to your knee, seek treatment from the experts at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital.

Symptoms of Dislocated Kneecaps

When your kneecap dislocates, your knee may:

• Appear deformed
• Feel tender and uncomfortable
• Move too far from one side to the other when pushed
• Seem unable to straighten
• Swell

Treating Kneecap Dislocations

When you think your kneecap slid out of place, try to gently straighten your leg. If it seems stuck, stabilize your joint with a splint. Then, call Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital and ask a specialist to examine your knee. An X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help your doctor assess the extent of damage to your leg.

If your physician determines your kneecap dislocated, you’ll wear a cast for a few weeks to help your patella stay in place. As you recover, knee therapy and rehabilitation will assist you in restoring your leg’s strength and range of motion. When you return to exercise or sports, follow proper form to reduce the chance of injuring your knee again.

You’ll benefit from minimally invasive arthroscopy or open surgery if your patella continues to dislocate over time. A ligament reconstruction procedure or osteotomy at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital assists you in keeping your kneecap in the right position.