Kneecap Misalignment Surgery

How do you treat a dislocated kneecap? Alex Dodds, knee consultant for Gloucestershire, explains.

Will I need surgery for my dislocated kneecap?

Possibly but not always. As we explore in this guide to kneecap dislocation, a dislocated kneecap may slot back into place without any treatment.

Even if treatment is required, it may not require surgery. In fact, knee surgeons are often reluctant to take a surgical approach to a first-time dislocation. Physiotherapy will often be used to help strengthen the muscles around the knee, helping to keep the kneecap in place.

Where the kneecap dislocates and there’s additional damage to cartilage or bone, or where the kneecap keeps dislocating after the initial injury and treatment, you may need surgery.

My dislocated knee fixed itself. Should I still seek medical advice?

Yes. A knee that dislocates once may dislocate again. That may be because of general patellar instability (that is, the tendons and ligaments that hold the kneecap in place are too lax to do their job effectively). It may be because of the underlying anatomy of the knee. It may be because the initial dislocation tore a ligament, effectively creating patellar instability for the future.

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is particularly susceptible to being torn during kneecap dislocation and will probably require reconstruction.

If you suffer a kneecap dislocation that corrects itself, visit my knee clinic for Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Cotswolds to explore measures to prevent it happening again.

What does kneecap dislocation surgery involve?

The surgical approach will be determined by the details of your dislocation. If the dislocation was caused by some form of trauma, your Gloucestershire knee surgeon will reposition the kneecap and stabilise it by reconstructing the (usually torn) MPFL (see above).

Where the dislocation occurs because of anatomical misalignment (that is, your knee dislocates not because of something that happens to it, but because of an anatomical issue with the joint itself), the treatment will depend on the anatomical issue that needs addressing. It may, for example, involve deepening the groove in which the kneecap sits, reducing the risk of it popping out.

How long does it take to recover from kneecap surgery?

You should be able to walk within a few days of patella dislocation surgery. Full recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint can help minimise recovery time and reduce the risk of repeat dislocation.

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If you have injured your knee, visit my Gloucestershire knee surgery for swift diagnosis and treatment.

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