What is a patella dislocation?
The patella, commonly referred to as the kneecap, is the front-most bone of the knee. The other two bones that create the knee joint include the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The patella sits within a groove (trochlear groove) on the front of the femur bone and is held in place by some of the ligaments surrounding the knee. The patella helps to protect the knee joint and acts as a fulcrum that helps the muscles of the upper leg move the leg properly. Dislocation of the patella occurs when the patella moves out of its place within the trochlear groove. This may occur during sports or other physical activities after the knee undergoes a forceful, abnormal twisting motion, or if the patella sustains a direct blow, all of which can knock the patella out of place.
What is patellar instability or a loose kneecap?
Patellar Instability is a condition where the patella moves abnormally within the trochlear groove, where it is normally located. Repeated patellar instability events occur as a result of previous patellar dislocations because dislocations cause injury or tears to the ligaments that hold the patella in place. These injuries and/or tears to the ligaments allow the patella to move abnormally, thus causing the condition of patellar instability. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic knee specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are experiencing symptoms associated with patellar instability.
What are the symptoms of an unstable patella or kneecap?
- Feelings of “looseness” or “slipping” of the kneecap during twisting or rotating motions
- Feeling as if the knee will “give way” while walking upstairs or with other movement, especially when moving from a bent knee to straight knee position
- Swelling around the kneecap
How do I know if my kneecap is unstable?
It is important to visit an orthopedic knee specialist such as Dr. Lamplot following a patella dislocation or if you are concerned you may have patellar instability. Dr. Lamplot will first discuss the patient’s medical and activity history involving the knee, previous injuries, or participation in sports. He will also perform a detailed physical examination of the knee to check for signs of an unstable kneecap. Further diagnostic scans such as an MRI scan or an X-ray may be required to further evaluate the possibility of patellar instability.
What is the treatment for patella instability?
Non-Surgical:
- Medication for pain and swelling relief such as NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory medications)
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
- Knee brace
- Physical therapy to strengthen the knee and the surrounding muscles
Surgical:
Depending on the severity of patellar instability, Dr. Lamplot may use one of the following surgical treatments:
- MPFL Reconstruction: This surgery entails reconstruction of the ligaments that hold the patella in place that were injured or torn, causing patellar instability
- Knee Arthroscopy: used to allow Dr. Lamplot to determine the extent of damage to the cartilage within the knee and to assess how the kneecap is moving.
- Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A procedure where the kneecap is realigned to prevent future dislocations and/or instability.
Patellar Instability Specialist
Have you experienced a recent injury to the knee resulting in pain or dislocation? Patients who have experienced a knee dislocation are at an increased risk of developing patellar instability. This condition causes the knee to feel unstable while walking, twisting, or climbing stairs. Complex knee specialist, Doctor Joseph Lamplot, is experienced in diagnosing and providing personalized treatment plans for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have sustained a recent knee injury. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
