Patella Dislocation
Anatomy of the Knee Joint
The patella (knee cap) is a bone at the front of the knee. It is attached at the top to the quadriceps muscles of the thigh by quadriceps tendon. A strong tendon then attaches the bottom of the patella to the top of the tibia (shin bone). When you contract your quads, the patella is pulled up and pulls on the tibia, straightening the leg. The patella slides over the end of the femur (thigh bone) forming the patellofemoral joint. This is a groove in which the patella moves. Structures to the side of the patella ensure it stays within the groove. An important structure is medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) which prevents the patella sliding out to the outside of the knee.
What is Patellar Dislocation?
Dislocation of the patella occurs when the patella moves out of the patellofemoral groove, (called the trochlea) onto the outer edge of the of the femur. If the patella partially comes out of the groove, it is called as subluxation and if the patella completely comes out, it is called as dislocation (luxation). Patella dislocation is commonly observed in young athletes between 15 and 20 years and commonly affects women because the wider pelvis creates a lateral pull on the patella.
Causes of Patellar Dislocation
Some of the causes for patellar dislocation include a direct blow or trauma, twisting of the knee while changing the direction, muscle contraction, and congenital defects. It also occurs when the MPFL is torn.
Symptoms of Patellar Dislocation
The common symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling around the knee joint, restricted movement of the knee, numbness below the knee, and discoloration of the area where the injury has occurred.
Treatment of Patellar Dislocation
Dr. Thornton-Bott will examine your knee and suggest diagnostic tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan to confirm the condition and provide treatment. There are non-surgical and surgical ways of treating patellofemoral dislocation.
Non-surgical or conservative treatment includes:
- PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics to treat pain and swelling
- Braces or casts which will immobilize the knee and allow the MPF ligament to heal
- Footwear to control gait while walking or running and to decrease the pressure on the patella.
- Physical therapy is recommended which helps to control pain and swelling, prevent formation of scar of soft tissue, and helps in collagen formation. The physiotherapist will extend your knee and apply direct lateral to medial pressure to the knee which helps in relocation. It includes straightening and strengthening exercises of the hip muscles and other exercises which will improve range of motion.
Surgical treatment is recommended for those individuals who have recurrent patella dislocation. Some of the surgical options include:
- Lateral-release: It is done to loosen or release the tight lateral ligaments that pull the patella from its groove which increase pressure on the cartilage and cause dislocation. In this procedure, the ligaments that tightly hold the patella are cut using an arthroscope.
- Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: In this procedure, the torn MPF ligament is removed and reconstructed using grafting technique. Grafts are usually harvested from the hamstring tendons, located at the back of the knee and are fixed to the patella using screws. The grafts are either taken from the same individual (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). Sometimes Dr. Thornton-Bott will use artificial ligaments. This procedure may also be performed using an arthroscope.
- Tibia tubercle realignment or transfer: Tibia tubercle is a bony attachment below the patella tendon which sits on the tibia. In this procedure, the tibia tubercle is moved towards the center which is then held by two screws. The screws hold the bone in place and allow faster healing and prevent the patella from sliding out of the groove. This procedure is also performed using an arthroscope.
After the surgery, your doctor will suggest you use crutches for a few weeks, prescribe medications to control pain and swelling, and recommend physical therapy which will help you to return to your sports activities at the earliest.
