![]() If the kneecap has been completely dislocated, the kneecap may need to be repositioned back in its proper place in the groove. If your kneecap is only partially dislocated (subluxation), your physician may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as pain medications, rest, ice, physical therapy, knee-bracing, and orthotics. Other diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI and CT scan may be done to determine the cause of your knee pain and to rule out other conditions. Your doctor evaluates the source of patellofemoral instability based on your medical history and physical examination. You may also have sensational changes such as numbness or even partial paralysis below the dislocation as a result of pressure on nerves and blood vessels. When the kneecap slips partially or completely you may have severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity and loss of function of the knee. Patellofemoral instability causes pain when standing up from a sitting position and a feeling that the knee may buckle or give way. Young active individuals involved in sports activities are more prone to patellofemoral instability. Improper muscle balance- Weak quadriceps (anterior thigh muscles) can lead to abnormal tracking of the patella, causing it subluxate or dislocate. This can eventually lead to abnormal tracking of the patella. Patellofemoral arthritis- Patellofemoral arthritis occurs when there is a loss of the articular cartilage on the back of the kneecap. Patellofemoral instability occurs when the patella moves either partially (subluxation) or completely (dislocation) out of the trochlear groove.Ī combination of factors can cause this abnormal tracking and include the following:Īnatomical defect- Flat feet or fallen arches and congenital abnormalities in the shape of the patella bone can cause misalignment of the knee joint.Ībnormal Q angle-The high Q angle (angle between the hips and knees) often results in mal tracking of the patella such as in patients with knock knees. Normally, the patella moves up and down within the trochlear groove when the knee is bent or straightened. Patellofemoral instability can be caused because of variations in the shape of the patella or its trochlear groove as the knee bends and straightens. This malalignment can damage the underlying soft structures such as muscles and ligaments that hold the knee in place. Patellofemoral instability means that the patella (kneecap) moves out of its normal pattern of alignment. The medial compartment is the area on the inside portion of the knee, and the lateral compartment is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. The patellofemoral compartment is the compartment in the front of the knee between the knee cap and thigh bone. The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, medial and lateral compartment.
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