Causes
Women’s thighbones, or femurs, angle toward the center of the body to compensate for the hip-widening effects of puberty. Consequently, 30 to 40 percent of women have abnormal knee alignment. Men also suffer abnormal knee alignment, but at a lower rate than women. Injury, particularly a twisting or contact injury also causes subluxation.Risk Factors
Contact sports, or sports involving quick motion, twisting, or pivoting can lead to knee subluxation. The first time the knee subluxates, it causes the tissue holding the knee in place to tear or stretch. When the tissue heals in the stretched position, the kneecap tends to subluxate repeatedly. Each time the knee subluxates, it can cause damage to the cartilage and joint. Knee subluxation can contribute to degenerative knee damage and arthritis.
Immediate Action
- Call your doctor if you suffer a subluxation 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 unstable, or the kneecap feels out of place.
- You hear or feel a popping noise.
- You experience pain, particularly when your knee is in the bent position.
To:
- Examine the position of the kneecap and assess the cause of pain.
- Recommend options for treatment, such as rehabilitative therapy.
- Determine whether surgery is necessary.
Procedures
Knee subluxation usually calls for rehabilitative therapy to strengthen the quadriceps muscles and keep the kneecap in alignment. Some doctors suggest that patients use orthopedic braces while working out, to keep the kneecap in place. In most cases, surgery is reserved for dislocation, which is when the patella is completely out of alignment. Your doctor will evaluate your condition, including the cause, and determine what method of treatment is suitable.
Medication
N-SAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can alleviate pain and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe prescription painkillers.
