Specialised treatment for patellofemoral dislocation
Patellofemoral dislocation happens when the patella (kneecap) becomes detached from the femur (thigh bone) and moves out of its regular place.
The injury is extremely painful and will prevent the sufferer from walking, though it is fortunately much less serious than other dislocation injuries. A dislocated kneecap will often correct by itself, though consulting an orthopaedic surgeon is recommended nonetheless to prevent complications and identify issues that may prevent adequate healing.
Orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedics SA consult and operate throughout Adelaide and beyond. For an expert opinion regarding your knee injury, contact the friendly team at Ortho SA.
patellofemoral dislocation frequently asked questions
What causes patellofemoral dislocation?
Patellofemoral dislocation is most often caused either by direct impact or by a non-contact twisting injury to the knee. The patella is much easier to dislocate than other joints and may happen with less force as a result – some people experience their kneecap dislocating after just a misplaced step that uses their body weight against them.
Because children and teenagers have looser ligaments, they are more likely to experience patella dislocation than others. Athletes who compete with high impact in their sports (like tackling) or who make twisting motions frequently (such as pivoting in volleyball or while dancing) are often casualties also.
What are the signs and symptoms of patellofemoral dislocation?
- A loud popping sound at the time of injury
- The knee feeling unstable or giving way
- Intense pain
- Redness, bruising and swelling of the knee
- The kneecap looks physically deformed or out of place
How is a patellofemoral dislocation diagnosed?
As patellofemoral dislocations usually present with a noticeable physical deformity, your doctor can diagnose it with a physical exam alone. They will ask questions about how the injury occurred and your personal medical history. Because dislocated joints are easier to relocate soon after the initial injury, doctors may perform a joint reduction on the injured knee before seeking other tests.
After the joint reduction, your doctor may request X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging tests to assess the knee bones and other soft structures in the knee.
What treatments are there for patellofemoral dislocation?
A dislocated patella sometimes corrects itself when the leg is carefully straightened. You may be able to relocate your own dislocated kneecap as a result, but seeing an orthopaedic surgeon for assessment is still highly recommended. If the patella cannot be relocated in the field (either by a paramedic or by yourself), a doctor can administer muscle relaxers to help the joint go back to normal.
A short period of rest and immobilisation is sufficient to heal many patellofemoral dislocations, followed by diligent physiotherapy to promote recovery and prevent future complications. Surgery is not often needed unless other structures in the knee are also damaged.
Surgery is sometimes used to repair damage to the knee’s bone, cartilage, and tendons if they are significantly damaged in the initial dislocation. Surgery for patellar dislocation is very successful at maintaining the knee’s long-term stability, but these injuries may be associated with knee arthritis in the long term.
Knee treatments
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly disrupted ligament in the knee. Our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament and its importance to knee stability has increased greatly over the past 20 years, as has our ability to diagnose
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is performed using a small telescope (arthroscope) and operating instruments which are inserted through, three punctures (usually) approximately 5 millimetres long. Using this technique, it is possible to remove torn cartilage and other loose pieces
Patellofemoral Replacement/Stabilisation
Orthopaedics SA’s Adelaide-based orthopaedic clinic is committed to providing high-quality care and treatment for patients with knee joint conditions, including patellofemoral problems. The patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone) meet at the knee joint. When problems arise in this
Revision Knee Replacement Surgery
Revision Knee Replacement means that part or all of your previous knee replacement needs to be revised. Surgery is not a pleasant prospect for anyone, but for some people with arthritis, it could mean the difference between leading a normal
Robotic Assisted Knee Surgery
Robotic surgery utilises computer-assisted planning combined with a robotic arm guided by your surgeon. It is an advancement of a current technology using computer navigation to assist positioning of a joint replacement implant. Used regularly by our surgeons since 2017,
Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)
A total knee replacement is an operation performed on a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, accidents or sports injuries. It is carried only after other forms of treatment have no further benefit. The knee is commonly referred to
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Unicompartmental or partial knee replacement replaces the worn part of the knee whilst retaining the healthy part of the knee. This is not a new concept but there has been resurgence in popularity recently. Better instruments allow for better tissue
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.