PATELLAR DISLOCATION
Overview
If you ever check an X-Ray of a normal knee, you will find your patella placed at the bottom of your thigh bone (femur).
But, the one’s suffering from Patellar Dislocation has a kneecap that is entirely displaced from its normal alignment. In maximum cases, this displacement of patella happens outwardly. In such situation, the muscles and ligament that are left inside become overstretched and damaged. Similarly, patellar subluxation is a condition when kneecap is only partially displaced from its location.
There are many causes of patellar dislocation but it’s primarily caused by traumatic incidents like a sudden blow or twist of the knee. Apart from this, even weak inner quadriceps muscles, shallow femoral groove, history of patella dislocation etc can cause it to happen.
But, the one’s suffering from Patellar Dislocation has a kneecap that is entirely displaced from its normal alignment. In maximum cases, this displacement of patella happens outwardly. In such situation, the muscles and ligament that are left inside become overstretched and damaged. Similarly, patellar subluxation is a condition when kneecap is only partially displaced from its location.
There are many causes of patellar dislocation but it’s primarily caused by traumatic incidents like a sudden blow or twist of the knee. Apart from this, even weak inner quadriceps muscles, shallow femoral groove, history of patella dislocation etc can cause it to happen.
Symptoms of Patellar Dislocation
There are many symptoms of patellar dislocation and it is very easy to identify it by the patient himself. Such symptoms are,- Pain, especially during pain bearing activities and straightening of the knee.
- Swelling, tenderness, and wobbliness of the knee
- Visible dislocation of the knee
- Feeling unstable while walking or running
- Weakness of the quadriceps muscles.
Such symptoms should be well nursed to and treatment should be sought for well on time or else it may lead to torn ligaments and muscles.
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Patellar Dislocation Treatment
On your visit, your physiotherapist will look out for the signs of dislocation and administer X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and type of patellar dislocation treatment. Once confirmed, a patient will be guided for one of these treatment options,- Physiotherapy
Most of the patients start feeling alright after a few hours of relocation. But, to save recurrent patellar dislocation treatment, it is advised to continue doing physiotherapy for at least 8-12 weeks. Physiotherapy aims at,
- Reducing pain and normalizing motions.
- Strengthen lower limb
- Improving patellar alignment
- Protect patella through patella dislocation brace
- Minimize chances of re-dislocation.
- Improving knee motion function by walking, running, squatting, hopping etc.
- Normalizing retinaculum lengths
Patellar Dislocation Surgery
In maximum cases with patellar dislocation, physiotherapy works like wonder. But some individual cases demands surgical intervention. A surgery may be required if the dislocation has caused damage to a particular bone or ligament
Apart from these, one can also go for patellar tendon that serves the purpose of attaching the bottom of the kneecap to the top of tibia. The patella is attached to the quadriceps muscles by the quadriceps tendon. Now, it is equally important to avoid future complications too. The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh to straighten your leg. So, let’s focus on some of these preventive measures.
