Specialists in Patella Dislocation
13 Specialists found
Information About the Field of Patella Dislocation
What Is Patellar Dislocation
A patellar dislocation is the injury of the kneecap, in which dislocation of the kneecap occurs. This dislocation usually happens laterally.
What Are The Causes of a Dislocated Patella?
The reason for a patellar dislocation can be an accident. Still, far more common is an anatomical predisposition to patellar dislocation, where spontaneous dislocation can occur during the leg movement.
Which Patients are Frequently Affected?
Patients with a combination of the following characteristics are significantly commonly affected:
- Patellar dysplasia: the asymmetric malformation of the patella.
- Trochlea-dysplasia: the malformation of the femoropatellar groove
- Knock-knees: they lead to uneven physical load on the outer and inner side of the knee joint due to axial or rotational misalignments
- Muscular imbalance: muscles on the outer and inner side of the knee joint are unevenly developed.
- Loose ligaments: reduced retaining capacity of the ligaments usually caused by weak connective tissue.
The more of these risk factors come together in a patient, the more likely the development of patellar dislocation, as these significantly influence the stability of the knee joint - and the patella's position.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Patella?
Patellar dislocation is often accompanied by severe pain, leading to the lower leg's restricted movement.
In some cases, minor fractures of the femur or kneecap also occur in the course of patella dislocation. Furthermore, a tear of the retaining ligaments of the patella can occur. Often, a hematoma also develops in the knee joint, which causes further pain due to the resulting mass.
How Is a Patellar Dislocation Diagnosed?
Patellar dislocation diagnosis is initially based on a detailed medical history and a physical examination supported by X-ray examinations of the knee joint, providing information about possible osseous injuries and genetic causes. Furthermore, a so-called patella defile image is taken. X-ray images of the knee joint are taken at different flexion angles to make conclusions about the relationship between the patella and the femoropatellar groove.
MRI scans and diagnostic arthroscopy are also often performed to assess possible cartilage and soft tissue damage.
How Is the Patella Treated?
The primary treatment for a patellar dislocation is repositioning, where the patella is put back in place - if necessary, in combination with painkillers.
In the case of initial dislocation and minor deviations from the characteristics mentioned above, conservative treatment is carried out. Physiotherapeutic measures are used to strengthen the stabilizing knee muscles and correct malpositions.
When Does Patella Surgery Become Necessary?
If dislocation of the patella occurs more frequently, surgical measures should be considered. The surgery aims to stabilize the patella in a central position.
What Are the Risks of Patellar Dislocation?
Patellar dislocation can lead to chipping of bone parts and cartilage damage. If necessary, further measures from the field of cartilage surgery should be considered to prevent advancing damage.
Which Doctors Are Specialists for Patellar Dislocation?
Specialists in orthopedics, trauma surgery and sports orthopedics are experts in diagnosing and treating patellar dislocation.
We help you find an expert for your condition. All doctors and clinics listed have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in patellar dislocation and are awaiting your inquiry or request for treatment.
Sources:
Breitner, Burghard: Chirurgische Operationslehre. 2. Auflage. München: Lehmanns Media /Elsevier, 1996
Sanches-Alfonso, Vicente: Anterior Knee Pain and Patellar Instability. London: Springer, 2006