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What is Kneecap Dislocation?
Kneecap dislocationis a condition in which the patella moves out of its normal position and out of its socket within the knee joint. This abnormal displacement of the patella (kneecap) usually occurs as a result of sudden rotations, trauma or muscle weakness. This condition is manifested by pain, swelling and a feeling of instability in the patellofemoral joint. As MSM Clinic, in such a situation, we examine the symptoms, investigate the causes of these symptoms and proceed to the personalized diagnosis and treatment phase. Treatment usually includes physical therapy, muscle strengthening exercises and stabilization programs. In severe and recurrent cases, surgical intervention, repositioning of the patella or repair of the ligaments may be required. Kneecap dislocation can be successfully managed with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As MSM Clinic, we provide our patients with individual treatment plans and a healthy recovery process with our expert team.
Causes of Kneecap Dislocation?
Kneecap dislocation may occur as a result of the interaction of various factors. First of all, instability of the thigh muscles, especially weakness of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle, can affect the stability of the patella. At the same time, defects in the anatomical structure of the patella may also cause this condition.
Traumatic events, sudden movements or direct blows can also cause kneecap dislocation. Genetic factors may influence the placement of the patella and increase individuals’ susceptibility to this condition. In addition, abnormal changes in the angle between the femur and tibia bones can negatively affect the stability of the patella.
Excessive sports activities, especially sports that require knee bending and turning, can predispose the patella to dislocation. As MSM Clinic, we explain these factors in detail to help our patients understand the causes of kneecap dislocation. By shaping our treatment process specifically for these reasons, we aim to ensure that individuals have a healthy and safe recovery process.
What are the symptoms of Kneecap Dislocation?
- Pain and Discomfort: Dislocation of the patella can cause severe pain around the knee joint. Pain may increase, especially when bending or moving the knee.
- Swelling and Bruising: A kneecap dislocation can damage the soft tissues around it, which can lead to swelling and bruising in the knee.
- Feeling of Insecurity: Dislocation of the patella from its normal position may cause the knee to become unstable and cause the individual to have difficulty controlling the knee.
- Locking in the Knee: People who experience patella dislocation (kneecap dislocation) may have a sudden feeling of locking in the knee. This condition usually resolves as the patella moves back into place, but it may recur.
- Strain and Difficult Movement: Kneecap dislocation can restrict the normal movements of the knee, and movements such as bending and straightening can be challenging and painful.
If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, you should contact our clinic immediately. As MSM Clinic, we explain these symptoms in detail and plan the necessary examination and treatment processes to help our patients recognize and understand them. We create individual treatment plans to ensure that our patients have a healthy recovery process.
How is Kneecap Dislocation Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of kneecap dislocation is made by an expert healthcare professional of our clinic using a comprehensive evaluation and various diagnostic methods. In the first stage, we take the patient’s health history and evaluate the symptoms in detail. We then shape the diagnostic process using the following methods.
- Physical Examination: Our specialist evaluates the patient’s knee mobility, stability and symptoms such as swelling. Afterwards, special tests are performed in our clinic to check whether the patella remains in place.
- Imaging Tests:
- X-ray: Kneecap dislocation can usually be seen clearly with x-ray imaging. The position of the kneecap and the general condition of the joint are examined.
- CT (computed tomography): It is used to measure the joint harmony between the kneecap and femur, especially if there is cartilage injury in acute kneecap dislocations that develop after trauma.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Allows detailed examination of soft tissues, tendons and ligaments.
- Dynamic Tests: The patient is evaluated for tendencies of the kneecap to dislocate during certain movements. These tests are important for us to understand the stability of the patella.
- Ultrasonography: In case of kneecap dislocation, the condition of the soft tissues and the placement of the patella can be evaluated by ultrasonography.
- Laboratory Tests: Although it is not generally used in the diagnosis of kneecap slip, it is a method that can be performed when necessary to evaluate the signs of inflammation in the joint fluid.
As MSM Clinic, we adopt this comprehensive approach to accurately diagnose our patients’ kneecap slip. Based on the diagnostic results, we determine the most appropriate treatment plan for our patients and guide them for a healthy recovery process.
Kneecap Dislocation Treatment
Treatment for kneecap dislocation involves a customized plan determined based on the individual’s general health status, the severity of their symptoms, and the cause of the slip. As MSM Clinic, our treatment for kneecap dislocation involves a multidisciplinary approach and is shaped around the following basic principles:
- Conservative Treatment: In cases of mild or first-time kneecap dislocation, conservative treatment methods can be applied. This treatment includes controlling pain and inflammation, resting the knee, and increasing stability with muscle strengthening exercises.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy, which is an important stage in the treatment of kneecap dislocation, includes muscle strengthening, stretching exercises and posture correction. This treatment aims to restore and improve the function of the knee.
- Orthotics and Supports: Specially designed knee supports and orthoses can reduce pain and prevent repetitive slips by increasing the stability of the knee.
- Drug Treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers can be used for pain control and inflammation reduction.
- Intra-articular Injections: Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections can relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the knee.
- Surgical Intervention: In advanced cases or to prevent recurrent slips, surgical intervention may be required. This may usually involve repairing torn ligaments from the patella, anatomical corrections, or rarely may involve major surgery such as total knee arthroplasty.
As MSM Clinic, we aim to focus on individual needs during the treatment of kneecap dislocation by determining the most appropriate treatment plan for our patients. Our treatment process aims to help our patients reduce pain, regain function, and prevent recurrent slips.
Healing Process After Kneecap Dislocation Treatment
The recovery process after kneecap dislocation treatment varies depending on the individual’s treatment method, the complexity of the surgical intervention and general health condition. As MSM Clinic, we aim to help our patients understand this critical recovery period with our information and guidance in the treatment of kneecap dislocation. The healing process is a process that includes the following main elements:
- The First Weeks and After:
- Immediately after the surgical intervention, we closely monitor the patient’s pain control and recovery process.
- With the help of a physical therapist, we initiate movement exercises, muscle strengthening and activities to increase the flexibility of the knee.
- Orthosis and Support Use:
- Patients may need to use specially designed knee supports or orthoses for a certain period of time after surgery. This treatment is important to ensure stability of the knee and reduce pain.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:
- Physical therapy sessions are organized to accelerate the healing process and increase muscle strength.
- Special exercise programs are created to enable the patient to return to normal daily activities.
- Progressive Exercises and Coordination Exercises:
- With progressive exercise programs, we aim to improve knee mobility, increase muscle strength and ensure coordination. This process aims to increase the patient’s functional independence.
- Regular Checks and Monitoring:
- Regular checks and necessary imaging tests are performed to monitor the healing process.
- The treatment plan can be updated with the evaluations of our clinician and patient feedback.
