The kneecap rests in a groove at the end of the thighbone. Once the knee bends and straightens, the kneecap moves straight up and down within the groove. Oftentimes, it slides too far to one side or the other. When this occurs after a fall or hard blow, the kneecap can partially or completely dislocate.
When the kneecap slips out of its proper place, it can cause pain and loss of functionality. Even if the kneecap returns back into place on its own, it still requires treatment to relieve the symptoms. It is vital to consult a doctor for full assessment in order to determine any damage to the knee joint as well as surrounding soft tissues. You can readily manage the symptoms of this condition by enrolling in a first aid class today.
Possible causes
There are various ways in which the kneecap becomes unstable or dislocate. In most cases, it dislocates with minimal force due to an abnormality in the structure of the knee.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms linked with a dislocated kneecap will depend on how far out it moved and the severity of damage when it occurred. The general symptoms among children include the following:
- Pain
- Sensation that the kneecap slides or shifts out of its groove
- Feeling that the knee is about to give away or buckle
- Swelling
- Popping sound when the kneecap dislocates
- Change in the appearance of the knee
Diagnosing an unstable kneecap
Once the kneecap slides back into place, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In case the kneecap is still out of its position, it is best to bring the individual to the emergency room.
During the examination, the doctor will ask how the injury occurred and the specific symptoms. The doctor will also assess the tenderness, range of motion and appearance of the knee. Some imaging tests are also performed so that the doctor can diagnose the condition and determine the ideal treatment plan. In most cases, an X-ray and MRI are performed.
Treatment
If the kneecap is dislocated, bring the individual to the emergency room right away. The doctor will restore the kneecap back in place and provide pain medications to relax the muscles and then apply pressure when moving the back into place which is a procedure called as reduction.
Non-surgical treatment
The doctor will recommend a brace that should be used for 3-4 weeks to stabilize the knee while it heals. Since putting weight on the knee can cause pain and delay the healing process, the doctor will recommend the use of crutches for the first 1-2 weeks after the injury.
Once the knee starts to heal, physical therapy is recommended to help restore normal movement. There are specific exercises that will strengthen the thigh muscles that hold the knee joint in place.