Dislocated Knee

Non-Surgical Patellar Instability/Dislocated Kneecap Treatment in Raleigh, NC

The patella (knee cap) is usually sitting right where it needs to be, in a groove at the of your thighbone (femur). As your knee bends and straightens, the patella slides up and down within the groove, allowing it to function properly. But what happens when the patella slides too far to one side or the other?

The knee cap then becomes unstable, and depending on the severity of the injury, could even become dislocated. This condition is known as patella instability. If left untreated, the likelihood of permanent damage and even more pain could increase.

Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics. Duke-trained non-surgical orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan, is dedicated to making sure that patients receive access to non-surgical treatments for knee dislocations. Dr. Kanaan will take the time to answer any questions you may have so that he can determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our orthopedic clinic in Raleigh at (919) 719-2270 and schedule an appointment today!

What is Patellar Instability?

Patellar instability occurs when the knee cap moves outside of the groove. It’s a common injury for children and adolescents because some may have ligaments that are looser, making their joints very flexible and more prone to knee dislocations. Some adults can even experience patellar instability as well. There are two common ways this injury occurs:

During an accident

Also known as a traumatic event, the kneecap can slip out of place if you or your child has suffered from a hard blow or fall. The injury is more common in children who play high-contact sports, such as football. During the accident, the kneecap may slide out of place quickly and go back into place on its own immediately after it slides out. There may be a lot of pain and swelling in front of the knee after this happens, making it necessary to seek medical treatment. Dr. Kanaan will be able to determine if the patella is completely or partially dislocated

The kneecap dislocates by itself

Also known as an atraumatic event, meaning no specific injury has taken place. When your child’s patella slides out of the groove on its own, that usually means that the groove may be too shallow or the patella is misaligned. There is a chance that dislocations can take place once in a while or very often. If the injury persists, then damage to the kneecap and the end of the thigh bone could arise.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms associated with patellar instability vary because it solely depends on how much the patella has moved out of place and the extent of the damage done to the knee. Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Pain and swelling in the knee
  • Pain when sitting
  • Feeling a shift of the kneecap
  • Creaking sounds upon movement of the knee
  • Stiffness in the knee

How does Dr. Kanaan address patellar instability?

Dr. Kanaan will make the diagnosis by looking at you or your child’s medical history and then performing a physical exam. In some cases, an X-ray or MRI is obtained, depending on the severity of the dislocation. Based on the initial examination, Dr. Kanaan can recommend non-surgical treatment, such as physical therapy or braces to immobilize the knee. 

Schedule an Appointment for Patellar Instability Treatment 

Our team at Wake Non-Surgical Ortho  will do everything possible to ensure the most accurate diagnosis is made so that your knee can get back to its normal functions as quickly as possible. For more information, contact our office at (919) 719-2270 and schedule an appointment today!

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OUR LOCATION - WHERE IS WAKE NONSURGICAL ORTHO?

3237 Blue Ridge Rd.

Raleigh, NC 27612

Phone: (919) 719-2270

Mon-Fri: 8 am- 3pm

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