Find Out About Patellar Dislocation
Patellar dislocation is usually the result of a sudden change in direction of the leg with the feet on the ground. Find out more here.
When the knee bone comes out of its location, it is called a dislocation of the kneecap. The causes of this dislocation may be a fall, a blow to the knee, or a rotating or twisting motion of the knee.
Usually, patella dislocation affects the outer part of the leg. This lesion is more likely to occur while participating in a sports activity.
The kneecap is a small, triangular bone covered with cartilage. This bone is located in the frontal part of the knee and is connected to the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligament.
What are the causes of dislocation of the patella?
A dislocation of the kneecap is usually the result of a sudden change in direction of the leg with the feet on the ground. However, an injury to the knee can also cause dislocation of the kneecap.
In addition, a dislocation of the patella is almost always due to an anomaly or to a biomechanical characteristic which predisposes to suffer easily from this lesion.
This lesion causes the joint to lose its stability and falls are then possible. The affected person also feels severe pain and will not be able to bend the knee. The displacement is visible and the knee appears deformed.
If the dislocation of the patella is the result of direct trauma, it is possible that all of the fasteners will break, including the joint capsule.
Factors that increase the risk of suffering from a dislocated patella
There are many factors that increase the risk of one day suffering from a dislocated patella. These factors include a high waist, being overweight or having suffered from a dislocated patella or injury to the knee.
In addition to these factors, it should be taken into account that certain physical characteristics also increase the risk of suffering from a dislocation of the kneecap.
- A high knee. The high insertion of the patellar tendon into the tibia can cause the quadriceps to move the patella.
- X-shaped legs. X-shaped legs increase the angle formed by the quadriceps and the patellar tendon, thus promoting the movement of the patella.
- Insertion of the lateralized patellar tendon.
- Tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament. This ligament unites the patella to the femur at the level of the internal part. It prevents the kneecap from coming out of its location when the knee is stretched, which corresponds to most cases of patella dislocation.
Diagnosis and symptoms
To diagnose a patella dislocation, the doctor should feel the knee, attempt to bend the knee, and move it in different directions. Using x-rays, magnetic resonance (MR), or computed tomography can see images of the patella dislocation and other knee injuries.
When it comes to the symptoms of a dislocated patella, generally these are the following:
- Swelling and deformed knee
- Inability to bend the knee or bear weight on the leg
- Patella moved to the outside of the knee
- Tenderness and pain
- Patellar hyperlaxity
- Damage to cartilage, which increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis
How to relieve the symptoms?
To relieve the symptoms of a patella dislocation, the following measures are recommended:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Taking these medications helps reduce inflammation and pain. Always respect the doctor’s prescription
- Ice Application: Ice helps reduce inflammation and pain as well as prevent tissue damage. Apply ice to the knee as recommended by a specialist
- Keep the leg raised: Raise the leg above heart level as often as possible. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation
- Physiotherapy: the physiotherapist will show you some exercises that improve the movement of the knee. With these exercises, you will strengthen your knee, gain stability and relieve pain.
In short …
In some cases, it is not possible to prevent a dislocation of the kneecap, especially if certain physical characteristics make us more likely to suffer from such an injury. Nevertheless, practicing certain exercises using appropriate techniques will allow us to have strong and flexible knees.
