How to Know If You Dislocated Your Knee

June 7, 2024

Discover how to know if you dislocated your knee, from identifying symptoms to seeking treatment.

Understanding Kneecap Dislocation

A dislocated kneecap, also known as patellar dislocation, is a common knee injury that can cause severe pain and impaired mobility. Understanding the causes and types of kneecap dislocations can provide a better context for individuals who are dealing with this condition or want to know how to detect if they've dislocated their knee.

Causes of Dislocated Kneecap

A dislocated kneecap can occur due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is a sudden twisting motion or a direct blow to the knee. This can happen during sports activities, for instance, when an individual turns rapidly while running [1]. A collision, a fall, or a misstep can also cause the kneecap to pop sideways out of its normal position.

In some cases, the kneecap may dislocate due to general joint looseness or an underlying health condition. Regardless of the cause, a dislocated kneecap is typically very painful and can impair an individual's ability to walk and move the affected leg.

Types of Kneecap Dislocation

There are several types of kneecap dislocations, each presenting different symptoms and requiring different treatment approaches.

Patellar Dislocation: This type of dislocation occurs when the kneecap pops sideways out of its vertical groove at the knee joint. It is usually caused by force from a collision, a fall, or a bad step. It is painful and prevents walking, but it is easy to correct and sometimes corrects itself.
Patellar Subluxation: This is a partial dislocation where the bone is unstable in the joint, straying slightly out of place but not fully. It may feel uncomfortable, and the kneecap may still track in the groove, allowing walking. It can result from injury or general joint looseness [2].
Congenital Patellar Dislocation: People with this type of dislocation are born with the condition, where the patella develops outside of the trochlear groove and cannot be moved back into place. Surgery is required to correct this type of dislocation.

Understanding the different types of kneecap dislocations can help individuals recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. The recovery process may vary depending on the type of dislocation, with some cases requiring rest and home treatment, while others may necessitate surgical intervention.

Signs and Symptoms

When trying to understand if a knee dislocation has occurred, recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial. Understanding these symptoms can help identify a dislocated kneecap and understand the impact it may have on mobility.

Recognizing a Dislocated Kneecap

A dislocated kneecap, or patella, can be the result of a direct blow to the knee, a fall, an accident, or a twist during sports or play KidsHealth. The symptoms of a dislocated kneecap can be quite distinctive, and include:

Pain: The individual will experience intense pain at the time of injury. This pain may decrease over time but will persist, especially when trying to move the knee.
Swelling: The knee will likely swell immediately after the injury, contributing to the pain and discomfort.
Inability to Straighten the Leg: With a dislocated kneecap, it may be challenging or impossible to straighten the leg fully.
Visible Deformity: The displaced kneecap may cause a visible deformity of the knee, making the dislocation apparent.

Impact on Mobility

A dislocated kneecap can significantly impact mobility. The intense pain, swelling, and inability to straighten the leg often make it difficult to walk or move the affected leg. This limited mobility can impact daily activities and require the use of crutches or a knee brace for support during the initial healing phase.

In some cases, individuals may also experience a sensation of the knee giving way or instability, particularly when attempting to stand or walk. This can pose a significant problem, leading to further injury if not addressed promptly.

Children and teens who have dislocated their kneecap are advised to avoid sports and physical activities for a few weeks, with a typical recovery time of about 4-6 weeks with therapy and exercises to regain strength.

Recognizing these signs and understanding the impact on mobility is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and starting the recovery process. The next section will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a dislocated kneecap.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Identifying and treating a dislocated kneecap promptly can help minimize potential damage to ligaments and tendons surrounding the knee joint. This section provides information on the medical evaluation for a dislocated kneecap and the immediate care required.

Medical Evaluation for Dislocated Kneecap

If you suspect a dislocated kneecap, it's important to seek immediate medical help. Symptoms of a dislocated kneecap include swelling, pain, and the inability to bend or straighten the leg. Even if the kneecap has gone back into position on its own, it's crucial to have a medical evaluation to assess any potential damage to surrounding ligaments and tendons.

A medical professional will likely examine the knee for signs of injury, check the range of motion, and look for areas of pain and swelling. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's medical history, further imaging tests, like X-rays or MRI scans, may be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of any associated injuries.

Immediate Care and Reduction

Once a dislocated kneecap is confirmed, immediate treatment involves putting the kneecap back into position, a process known as reduction. While this can sometimes occur spontaneously, it may also require a medical professional to manually reposition the kneecap.

Following the reduction, immediate care measures typically include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to control swelling and alleviate pain. If you are unable to walk after a kneecap dislocation, it's recommended to call an ambulance to ensure safe transport and immediate medical attention.

In certain cases, further treatment may be required, including immobilization of the knee with a splint or cast, pain relief medication, and physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and regain movement in the knee. In cases of recurrent dislocation, surgery may be offered to tighten loosened muscles or reconstruct damaged ligaments [3].

It's important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider and complete any recommended rehabilitation exercises to promote optimal recovery and prevent recurrence. The exact treatment plan will depend on various factors, including the severity of the dislocation, the patient's overall health, and the presence of any accompanying injuries.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After experiencing a kneecap dislocation, the process of recovery and rehabilitation is a vital aspect of regaining normal function in the knee. This involves a period of rest and adopting a recommended physical therapy regimen.

Rest and Recovery Process

Once the dislocated kneecap has been put back into place, the knee needs ample time to rest and heal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, rehabilitation typically leads to recovery in about six weeks. During this period, it's important to avoid any activities that may strain the knee or hinder the healing process.

A knee immobilizer is often worn for a few weeks following the dislocation. This device helps to stabilize the knee and prevent any unwanted movement that might cause further injury.

Throughout the recovery process, it's essential to monitor the knee closely for any signs of complications. If symptoms such as pain, swelling, or inability to straighten the leg persist, it's recommended to seek further medical attention.

Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a significant role in the recovery and rehabilitation process after a kneecap dislocation. A structured physical therapy program can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance overall knee function.

A typical physical therapy regimen may include exercises designed to improve strength and mobility. These exercises may focus on the quadriceps and other leg muscles that support the knee. The physical therapist may also introduce balance and coordination exercises to help prevent future dislocations.

In addition to the prescribed exercises, the physical therapist may utilize other therapeutic techniques such as massage, heat or ice therapy, and electrical stimulation to aid in the healing process.

Participating in physical therapy can significantly improve the recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of future dislocations. However, it's crucial to follow the recommended regimen and perform the exercises correctly to reap the full benefits.

By adhering to the recommended rest and recovery process and participating in physical therapy, individuals who have experienced a kneecap dislocation can regain their mobility and return to their regular activities. As always, any concerns or questions during the recovery process should be addressed with a healthcare professional.

Preventing Recurrence

Once you've experienced a dislocated kneecap, it's essential to take steps to prevent a recurrence. This involves understanding the root causes of the dislocation, undertaking preventative measures, and considering surgical options if necessary.

Importance of Preventive Measures

Preventing a recurrence of kneecap dislocation is of utmost importance, not just for immediate comfort and mobility, but also for long-term knee health. Recurrent kneecap dislocation may lead to damage to cartilage, increasing the risk of arthritis.

A dislocated kneecap can be caused by factors such as being tall, overweight, or female, which increases the risk of dislocation. After a dislocated kneecap, the medial patellofemoral ligament may become torn, leading to recurrent dislocation. Understanding these risk factors can help in developing personalized preventive strategies.

Such strategies may include strengthening exercises for the knee and surrounding muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing supportive footwear. In addition, learning safe exercise techniques and avoiding high-risk activities can also help prevent future dislocations.

Surgical Options for Chronic Dislocation

In some instances, preventative measures may not be sufficient, especially for those with chronic patellar instability or recurrent patella dislocations. In such cases, surgery may be considered to stabilize the joint.

Surgery has a good success rate for stabilization but is associated with osteoarthritis in the future [2]. Surgeons are starting to recommend preventative surgery to repair the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) after the first kneecap dislocation to prevent further damage [3].

The decision to opt for surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering factors such as the individual's age, overall health, activity level, and the severity of the dislocation.

By understanding the causes and risk factors of kneecap dislocation, taking necessary preventive steps, and considering surgical options if required, recurrence can be prevented, ensuring the long-term health and functioning of the knee.