KNEE PROCEDURES

PATELLA DISLOCATION REPAIR

A patella (kneecap) dislocation refers to dislocation of the kneecap from its groove at the knee joint. The knee joint is the meeting point of 3 bones, namely the thighbone, the shinbone and the kneecap, which is located in the middle of the joint. The kneecap is secured in its place by a network of tendons and ligaments.Patella dislocation occurs when the bone shifts out of place and can no longer move up and down.

This results in the knee locking and pulling the ligaments out of place, sometimes tearing them. Patella dislocation is normally an acute injury that is caused by an impact or a sudden turn or twist.

When is a patella dislocation repair indicated?

Patella dislocation repair is indicated for people who require surgical treatment for recurrent patella dislocation. It may also be recommended for people who knocked a piece of bone and cartilage or just cartilage off the patella. In these cases, patella dislocation repair is recommended to help treat the pathology.

What does a patella dislocation repair entail?

Depending on your condition and the severity of the condition, Dr Nell will perform one of the following procedures:

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction - This is a procedure that involves the removal of a torn MPF ligament using a graft. Grafts are normally taken from hamstring tendons situated at the back of the knee. The graft is then fixed to the patella tendon using screws. The grafts are taken from either the patient or from a donor.
Tibia tubercle realignment or transfer The tibia tubercle is a bony attachment located below the patella tendon that sits on the tibia. During this procedure, the surgeon will move the tibia tubercle towards the centre and hold it into place with screws.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

FAQ

1Will I need crutches to walk post-surgery?

The orthopaedic surgeon may recommend crutches to assist you for the first few weeks.

2What are the common signs and symptoms of patella dislocation?

The most common sign and symptoms of patella dislocation are:

Intense pain
Sudden swelling
Inability to walk
Locking of the knee
Kneecap is visually out of place
Sudden swelling
Bruising at the knee

3Can you walk with a dislocated patella?

No. The knee will be locked and unable to straighten or bend. Patella dislocations often reduce by themselves, restoring knee function. Redislocations and knee instability are common reasons why a reduced patella might need a stabilising procedure.