Kneecap Instability and Dislocation
At the Children’s Andrews Institute, our highly trained team of orthopedic and sports medicine specialists has expertise treating kneecap instability and dislocation with noninvasive therapies and minimally invasive surgery.
Kneecap instability occurs when the kneecap (patella) is misaligned, allowing it to move side to side, rather than up and down in the joint. When an unstable kneecap fully slips out of place, it’s called a dislocation.
To provide your child with the best care possible, we offer the full range of services in one convenient location, including:
Pediatric orthopedic physicians and surgeons
Advanced imaging technology
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
What are the signs and symptoms of Kneecap Instability and Dislocation?
Signs and symptoms of kneecap instability and dislocation include:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Feeling of knee buckling or “giving out”
Hearing a “popping” sound
Deformity in the knee joint
Difficulty using, moving or bearing weight on the affected leg
Sometimes, a dislocated knee may temporarily move back into place. Even if this happens, we advise parents to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your child may still have knee damage that needs comprehensive treatment.
How is Kneecap Instability and Dislocation diagnosed?
Our physicians diagnose kneecap instability or dislocation by starting with a physical examination. They may also order imaging tests to determine the problem with your child’s knee.
Tests may include:
Physical exam: Tests movement, appearance and sensation in your child’s knee joint and leg muscles
X-ray: Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the patella and knee’s bones
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the knee joint, checking for tears in the ligaments, tendons and cartilage
What are the causes of Kneecap Instability and Dislocation?
Kneecap instability and dislocation are common pediatric injuries because children’s growing bones, ligaments and tendons can make the joint unstable.
Common causes of kneecap instability and dislocation include:
Shallow or uneven groove in the femur, where the patella sits
Looser and more flexible ligaments — especially in girls
Sudden, traumatic injury from a fall or physical contact
Wear and tear from repetitive movements in sports
Girls face a greater risk of kneecap instability and dislocation because of anatomical differences like pelvic width.
How is Kneecap Instability and Dislocation treated?
At the Andrews Institute, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating children with kneecap instability and dislocation. We bring together orthopaedic and sports medicine specialists and in-house physical therapists for your child’s ongoing care.
Treatment for kneecap instability and dislocation depends on the severity of your child’s injury. Most often, our physicians can use therapies that avoid surgery.
Nonsurgical treatments include:
Rest, ice, compression and elevation
Bracing to immobilize and promote healing
Medication to help manage pain and swelling
Activity modification
Reduction, a procedure in which your child’s physician places the kneecap in its proper place for healing. Your child will receive sedation for comfort during the procedure.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
For chronic kneecap dislocation, we may recommend surgery to repair damaged muscles, tendons or ligaments. If surgery is needed, our surgeons offer a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach.
Kneecap Instability and Dislocation Doctors and Providers
