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Dislocation

Diagnosis And Treatment

Procedures

Knee dislocation usually requires rehabilitative therapy to strengthen the quadriceps muscles and keep the kneecap in alignment. Some doctors suggest patients wear orthopedic braces while working out, to keep the kneecap in place.

Sometimes, a patient needs surgery to realign the knee and prevent dislocation from reoccurring. A lateral release is an arthroscopic procedure where the surgeon cuts the lateral (side-to side) bands within the knee, reducing the lateral pull on the knee and allowing the patella to move back into place. Another type of procedure, called patellar realignment, involves weaving the quadriceps tendon through the knee to support the kneecap. Your doctor will evaluate your condition, including the cause, and determine what method of treatment is suitable. An experimental procedure known as thermal shrinkage, in which a doctor uses concentrated heat or a laser arthroscopically to tighten the tendons of the knee, is gaining acceptance among surgeons combating joint laxity within patients.

Medication
N-SAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can alleviate pain and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe prescription painkillers.

Increasing muscle tone in your quadriceps will increase the stability of your knee joint, making it less likely for the kneecap to slide out of place. Your doctor can suggest simple exercises that you can do to increase the strength of your leg muscles.

Last updated: Aug-27-07

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