The patella (knee-cap) is the small bone found at the front of the knee. The patella is an important part of the knee and mechnically it improves the leverage of the muscles that move the knee joint.

The patella glides in a groove (the trochlea) as the knee is flexed or extended, and is held in place by a complex set of factors that include the shape of the bones, the positioning of the patella in relation to the knee joint, the integrity or the laxity/tightness of the ligaments or muscles that attach to it. When any of these factors is abnormal they can result in patella instability, or patella dislocation. Traumatic dislocation, for example in a heavy fall, can of course occur even when all the above factors are normal and a large force is applied to the patella.

Dr Ihsheish can assess your knee joint clinically and radiologically following a patella dislocation. Early treatment after a patella dislocation often involves rest, ice, splinting of the knee, and use of crutches and pain-killers for pain relief. Further specific management can be discussed with you by Dr Ihsheish depending on your individual case. Damage to the ligaments, bones, or cartilage that occurs during the injury may require surgical intervention or monitoring, and physiotherpay referral is often arranged to help you regain function gradually.

Dr Ihsheish will discuss with you the long term consequences of patella dislocations, which include the after-effects of any joint damage sustained, and ongoing instability symptoms in this joint.