Do I Have A Kneecap Dislocation (Dislocated Patella)?

Have you suffered a direct blow to your knee, or have you abruptly twisted your leg during sports?

Do you have pain in the front of your knee that increases with activities?

Do you have pain in your knee when you are sitting?

Do you have stiffness and swelling in your knee?

Do you have inability to straighten a knee which is fixed in the flexed position?

Do you feel that your knee can no longer support your weight?

Do you have a misshapen or deformed knee?

Do you have bruises around your knee?

Have you noticed creaking or crackling sounds when you move your knee?

Have you heard a popping sound when you injured your knee?

Do you have a “sloppy” or hypermobile kneecap, which can be shifted too freely from one side to the other?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a kneecap dislocation. Kneecap dislocation is a medical condition that involves displacement of the patella, which is a flat bone located over the front of your knee joint. Kneecap dislocation is a common sports injury that is often caused by a direct blow to the knee or a sudden twist of the leg during sports or dancing. In most cases, the patella shift towards the outside of the knee. Kneecap dislocation is more common in women than in men, and in exceptionally tall athletes. Healing of this injury usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a kneecap dislocation. The patella or kneecap is a circular-triangular bone that lies in front of the knee joint. It slides over the groove in the joint every time you bend your knee. Kneecap dislocation occurs when the kneecap is forced out from its normal position. It is often not a serious injury, although a person feels pain in the knee and cannot walk. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may order a knee X-ray and MRI to rule out a fracture or other injury to the knee joint.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a kneecap dislocation. Kneecap dislocation is a common sports injury in which the patella slips out of its place. The patella may be partially or completely dislocated, causing pain and loss of knee function. A dislocated kneecap can cause damage to the surrounding soft tissues, so even if your kneecap comes back into place by itself, be sure to see a doctor. Treatment usually includes non-surgical methods such as reduction (moving the kneecap manually), immobilization of the leg and pain medications. Patients with repeated dislocations may need a surgery.