Dislocation
Description
Reviewed by Dr. Jack Farr
Three bones meet within the knee joint: the femur, or thighbone, the tibia, or shinbone, and the patella, the kneecap. The joint is stabilized by connective tissues known as ligaments, which connect bones to bones within the body. Because of trauma or laxity (looseness) of the ligaments in the knee, the kneecap may slide out of the groove it rests in. When it does so, but doesn't leave the joint completely, a patient experiences subluxation. If the patella becomes completely dislodged from the joint, it is known as dislocation.
Symptoms
- Pain in the knee
- Swelling in the knee
- Limited movement
- Feeling that the knee has “popped out of place"
- Joint appears twisted or mangled
Cause and Risk Factors
Causes
Injuries such as a falls, off-centered landings, or other sport-related injuries cause most dislocations. Laxity, otherwise known as looseness of the joint or double-jointedness, may raise the risk for dislocation.
Risk Factors
Contact sports, or sports involving quick motion, twisting, or pivoting can lead to knee dislocation. The first time the knee dislocates, the tissue holding the knee in place tears or stretches. As a result, repeated dislocations are a possibility until the problem is remedied. Each time the knee dislocates, it can cause damage to the cartilage and joint. Knee dislocation can contribute to degenerative knee damage and arthritis.
Treatment
Immediate Action
- Call your doctor if you suffer a dislocation injury.
- Apply ice to knee as soon as possible.
- With any recent injury, use RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
See Your Doctor
If:- You feel your knee is out of joint.
- You hear or feel a popping noise.
- You experience pain.
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.
Prevention
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: 26-Oct-01
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