Understanding Patellar Instability

What is patella instability, and how is it treated?

Patellar instability can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with daily activities. If you’ve ever felt like your kneecap moves out of place or experienced a sudden kneecap dislocation, you may be dealing with this condition.

At OrthoNeuro, our team of specialists in Columbus, Ohio, provides advanced care for knee conditions, including patellar instability. If you’re experiencing knee pain or frequent patellar dislocation, contact us to see how we can help with a personalized treatment plan to restore stability.

What Is Patellar Instability?

Patellar instability occurs when the patella (kneecap) does not stay properly aligned in the trochlear groove of the femur. This instability can range from mild subluxation (partial displacement) to a complete patella dislocation. Repeated episodes of instability can damage surrounding structures, leading to long-term pain and dysfunction in the patellofemoral joint.

Types of Patellar Instability

There are two primary types of patellofemoral instability:

Acute Patellar Dislocation – A sudden, complete patellar dislocation often caused by trauma or a twisting injury.
Chronic Patellar Instability – Repeated instances where the patella moves out of its normal position, often due to structural abnormalities or ligament laxity.

What Does Patellar Instability Feel and Look Like?

Symptoms of patellar instability can vary based on severity but often include:

A feeling that the kneecap is shifting or about to dislocate
Pain in the front of the knee, especially during activity
Swelling and tenderness around the patellofemoral joint
A visible kneecap dislocation, where the patella moves out of its normal position
Weakness or difficulty straightening the knee

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Patellar Instability

Several factors can contribute to patellar instability, including:

Structural Abnormalities – Conditions such as patella alta (a high-riding kneecap) can increase the risk of dislocation.
Ligament Weakness or Injury – The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) helps stabilize the patella; if torn, the risk of dislocation increases.
Tight or Weak Muscles – Imbalances in the quadriceps and hamstrings can contribute to instability.
Shallow Trochlear Groove – If the trochlear groove is not deep enough, the patella may not sit securely in place.
Trauma or Direct Impact – A direct blow to the knee can force the patella out of position.

How is Patellar Instability Diagnosed?

To have patellar instability diagnosed, a specialist will perform a thorough evaluation, including:

Physical Examination – Checking for tenderness, swelling, and the range of motion in the knee.
Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to assess bone alignment, ligament damage, and abnormalities like patella alta.

Patellar Mobility Tests – Assessing how easily the patella moves within the trochlear groove.

Treatment Options to Stabilize the Patella

The right treatment for patellar instability depends on its severity and underlying causes. Common approaches include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

Physical Therapy – Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to improve knee stability.
Bracing and Taping – Providing external support to keep the patella in place.
Activity Modification – Avoiding high-impact movements that may trigger patellar dislocation.
Pain Management – Using anti-inflammatory medications or ice therapy to reduce swelling.

Non-Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. Options include:

MPFL Reconstruction – Repairing or reconstructing the medial patellofemoral ligament to restore stability.
Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy – Realigning the tibial tubercle (where the patellar tendon attaches) to improve patellar tracking.

Preventing Patellar Instability

To reduce the risk of patellofemoral instability, consider the following preventive measures:

Strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles with targeted physical therapy
Maintaining flexibility to prevent excessive strain on the patellar tendon
Wearing a knee support during activities
Avoiding sudden twisting movements that could lead to a patellar dislocation

Get Expert Care for Patellar Instability

If you’re struggling with patellar instability, our specialists at OrthoNeuro can help. We offer comprehensive knee care, from physical therapy to advanced surgical solutions, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. Schedule a consultation today to regain stability and confidence in your movement!

Sources

Knee Specialists

IF YOU HAVE A SEVERE KNEE INJURY OR CHRONIC KNEE PAIN THAT REDUCES YOUR MOBILITY OR QUALITY OF LIFE, CONTACT ORTHONEURO TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION. OUR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS ARE ON HAND TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT YOUR KNEE PROBLEM.