How to Deal With Patellar Subluxation

For a number of people who are active in sports, Patellar Subluxation can be at the very least an uncomfortable inconvenience. At the worst, it can mean debilitation resulting in time off from work and loss of mobility. Patellar Subluxation is another way to describe a situation when the kneecap (the patella) temporarily slides to the outside of the knee joint resulting in knee instability and swelling. Here's how to deal with it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A complete examination of your knee by an orthopedic surgeon
• Knee braces (optional)
• Knee strengthening exercises

1. 
    
   The normal knee

   Patellar subluxation occurs when the patella, or the kneecap slides out of the trochlear groove, making the knee joint unstable. Although it is usually a temporary and minor inconvenience, it is frequently associated with swelling and decreased range of motion of the knee joint.

2. 
    
   A subluxated patella

   If your patella subluxes, try to stay off of your feet, apply ice and elevate your knee. Alternate ice packs on and off every hour for the next 24 hours.

3. Massage the knee, "milking" the accumulated fluid upwards toward the heart.

4. Apply a wide elastic bandage over the joint in between icings to prevent swelling.

5. Begin taking anti-inflammitants every 2 hours.

6. 
    
   The vastus medialis muscle

   Once the swelling has subsided, make an appointment with your Physical Therapist. She will prescribe an exercise regimen aimed at strengthening the vastus medialis muscle in an effort to move the patella toward the inside of the trochlear knotch.

7. If the knee continues to sublux, your orthopedic surgeon may suggest that you undergo a Lateral Release--Medial Reefing procedure to permanently re-align the patella in the trochlear groove.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a regular exercise program that emphasizes resistance training for the quadriceps (the thigh muscles).
• Pay particular attention to strengthening the vastus medialis muscle.
• Wear an open popliteal knee brace to keep your knee cap in its proper location in the trochlear groove.
• If your knee subluxes, avoid standing on your feet or exerting pressure on the knee joint. The swelling is your body's way of telling you that it needs rest.

[Darkestrose88]

on 10/29/2008 I have a problem with both my left kneecap and my right kneecap and I have a surgeon who
only uses surgery as a last result I recently had a positive ana 1:80 and my doctor still won't
even scope my left knee we already know I have the patella problem on the rt side which occurs
daily know matter how many stretches or icing I do nothing makes either knee better, I can't get
this doctor to see how much pain I am in and it is different then the typical inflammation I usually
get I am allergic to sulfa and motrin so it is impossible for me to take any type of anti inflammatory drugWalking hurts, and I have other joint problems such as my hip which at 35 I'm ready for a replacement because of the pain, I also have an ankle that swells up for NO reason at all, and it hurts
really bad its bruised off and on, any suggestions, I live in michigan and was curious if anyone knows
of a go

[brat31]

on 8/4/2008 my left knee slides out all the time,but I have a patella brace for that knee. Now my right knee is sliding out and swelling up due to the fact that I have to shift my weight to that knee what should I do about it?

[grouch]

on 12/9/2007 Hey thanks for the needed information. Mine slides out all the time after an accident. Swelling is the worst but your tips are great.