Kneecap dislocation
If you keep dislocating your kneecap
Most people who dislocate their kneecap won't dislocate it again. But in some people it can keep happening.
This often occurs if the tissues that support the kneecap are weak or loose, such as in people with hypermobile joints , or because the groove in the bone beneath the kneecap is too shallow or uneven.
Regularly doing the exercisesyour physiotherapist recommends can help strengthen the tissues that hold the kneecap in place and reduce the risk of dislocating it again.
Surgery may occasionally be needed ifthe kneecapkeeps dislocating. A common procedure is amedial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair.
This is where the connective tissue (ligament) that helps hold the kneecap in place is repaired and strengthened.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about the symptoms of a dislocated kneecap, what to do and how long it usually takes to recover.
Symptoms of a dislocated kneecap
When a kneecap dislocates, it will usually look out of place or at an odd angle. But in many cases it will pop back into place soon afterwards. Othersymptoms can include: a "popping" sensation se
What to do if you dislocate your kneecap
A dislocated kneecap isn't usually serious and will often pop back into place by itself. But it's still a good idea to get it checked by a health professional: if your kneecap has gone back into p
Treatment for a dislocated kneecap
Ifyour kneecap hasn't corrected itself by the time you get to hospital, a doctor will manipulate it back into place. This is known as a reduction. You may be given medication to ensure you're relaxed
If you keep dislocating your kneecap
Most people who dislocate their kneecap won't dislocate it again. But in some people it can keep happening. This often occurs if the tissues that support the kneecap are weak or loose, such as in peo
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