A dislocated kneecap (patella dislocation) can occur suddenly due to a traumatic knock to the knee
In some individuals a patella dislocation can happen without significant injury due to various anatomic variations
A person with a patellar dislocation is unable to stand and usually collapses to the ground
The patella gets “stuck” on the outside of the knee. Sometimes it may pop back by itself, otherwise it will need to be put back in hospital, under sedation
After a patellar dislocation has occurred, you may need surgery, especially if it keeps happening
This is because the ligament that normally holds the patella in place (the medial patello-femoral ligament or MPFL) has not healed
The surgery (MPFL reconstruction) is usually done under general anaesthetic and involves an overnight stay in hospital
The procedure involves creating a new stabilizing ligament by using your own hamstring tendon
The new ligament holds the patella in place and prevents further dislocations
After surgery for a patella dislocation a brace and crutches are usually required for a few weeks, and good rehabilitation (physiotherapy) is needed for the best results
