The kneecap is the area that connects the muscles in front of the thigh to the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap gets pulled down or up whenever you straighten or bend your leg. The thighbone or the femur has a groove that contains the kneecap. Usually, the kneecap fits well into the groove.
However, if the groove is shallow or unstable, the kneecap may slide off, further resulting in a partial or complete dislocation. If the kneecap suffers a blow, it may be out of place and be unstable.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of an unstable kneecap include the following:
Diagnosis
During a physical examination, your doctor may ask for that you walk around to straighten and bend your knee. The doctor may carefully feel the area around your kneecap and know whether the bones are unstable or if the thigh muscles are weak.
The doctor may request X-rays to see how the kneecap fits in its groove. Your doctor will also need to consider other possible reasons behind the pain, such as a tear in the tendon or in the ligaments of the knee.
TREATMENT
If the kneecap is totally out of its place, treatment will aim to restore the kneecap to its proper area. This strategy is called reduction. In some cases, the reduction may happen spontaneously. Sometimes, your doctor will apply some pressure to push the kneecap back into its place.
Dislocations can damage the underside of the kneecap and the thigh bone which can incite discomfort and joint pain. Arthroscopic surgery can address this condition.
If the kneecap is partially dislocated, your doctor may prescribe nonsurgical treatments such as exercises and support. Exercises will help empower the muscles in your thigh so that the kneecap remains adjusted.
Cycling is an exercise that can be considered a treatment. A brace may also be used. The objective is for you to go back to your usual activities within 1 to 3 months.
Surgery may be done to realign and fix ligaments to keep the kneecap in place, or to clear tissues that keep the kneecap out of position.
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