What is a dislocated kneecap. How does it occur. What are the symptoms of a dislocated patella. How is a dislocated kneecap diagnosed and treated. When should you seek medical attention for a knee injury.

Understanding Dislocated Kneecaps: A Comprehensive Guide

A dislocated kneecap, also known as a dislocated patella, is a condition where the small bone at the front of the knee slides out of its normal position. This injury can occur due to various reasons and may cause significant pain and discomfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for a dislocated kneecap.

What Causes a Kneecap to Dislocate?

Kneecap dislocations can happen due to several factors. The most common causes include:

• Direct trauma to the knee, such as from a fall or accident
• Sudden twisting of the knee during sports or physical activities
• Muscle imbalances in the leg
• Loose ligaments around the knee joint
• Congenital abnormalities in knee structure

Can certain individuals be more prone to kneecap dislocations? Yes, some people may have a higher risk due to anatomical factors or underlying conditions. For instance, those with hypermobility syndrome or patellofemoral instability may experience recurrent dislocations.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Kneecap

Identifying a dislocated kneecap promptly is crucial for proper treatment. The common symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the knee
• A feeling of the knee “giving out” or buckling
• Visible swelling around the knee joint
• A noticeable bump on the outer side of the knee
• Inability to straighten the affected leg
• Bruising and tenderness around the kneecap

Do all dislocated kneecaps present the same symptoms? Not necessarily. The severity and combination of symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the dislocation.

Diagnosing a Dislocated Kneecap: Medical Evaluation and Imaging

When a dislocated kneecap is suspected, prompt medical attention is essential. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination of the knee
2. Discussion of symptoms and how the injury occurred
3. X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures
4. In some cases, MRI scans to assess soft tissue damage

Is an X-ray always necessary for diagnosing a dislocated kneecap? While doctors can often diagnose a dislocation through physical examination, X-rays are typically performed to rule out fractures and ensure proper alignment after reduction.

Treatment Options for a Dislocated Kneecap

The treatment of a dislocated kneecap aims to relieve pain, restore normal knee function, and prevent future dislocations. Treatment options include:

Immediate Care

• Reduction: Gently moving the kneecap back into its correct position
• Pain management: Administration of pain relief medication
• Immobilization: Using a knee brace or splint to keep the knee straight

Follow-up Care

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee
• Gradual return to activities under medical supervision
• In some cases, surgery may be recommended for recurrent dislocations

How long does it take to recover from a dislocated kneecap? Recovery time can vary, but most individuals can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks with proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Preventing Future Kneecap Dislocations

While not all dislocations can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the leg muscles
• Proper warm-up before physical activities
• Wearing appropriate footwear and protective gear during sports
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees
• Avoiding sudden changes in direction during physical activities

Can specific exercises help prevent kneecap dislocations? Yes, targeted exercises that focus on strengthening the quadriceps and improving overall knee stability can significantly reduce the risk of future dislocations.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While some minor knee injuries can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical care. Seek emergency treatment if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t subside with rest and ice
• Visible deformity of the knee
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Numbness or tingling below the knee
• Signs of infection, such as fever or redness spreading from the knee

Should you attempt to relocate a dislocated kneecap yourself? No, it’s crucial to seek professional medical help. Attempting to relocate the kneecap without proper training can lead to further injury or complications.

Long-Term Outlook and Management of Recurrent Dislocations

For most individuals, a single kneecap dislocation doesn’t lead to long-term problems if properly treated. However, some people may experience recurrent dislocations. In such cases, the long-term management may involve:

• Ongoing physical therapy to maintain knee strength and stability
• Use of knee braces during high-risk activities
• Modification of activities to reduce stress on the knee
• In some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the kneecap

Do all recurrent dislocations require surgery? Not necessarily. Many cases can be managed effectively with conservative treatments, but surgery may be recommended if non-surgical methods fail to provide adequate stability.

Surgical Options for Recurrent Dislocations

When surgery is deemed necessary for recurrent kneecap dislocations, several procedures may be considered:

• Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction
• Tibial tubercle transfer
• Lateral release
• Trochleoplasty

The choice of surgical procedure depends on the individual’s specific anatomy and the underlying cause of the recurrent dislocations.

Impact of Kneecap Dislocations on Athletic Performance

For athletes and physically active individuals, a kneecap dislocation can have significant implications. The road to returning to sports after a dislocation involves:

1. Complete healing of the initial injury
2. Regaining full range of motion in the knee
3. Rebuilding strength in the quadriceps and surrounding muscles
4. Gradual return to sport-specific activities
5. Psychological readiness to return to full participation

Can athletes fully recover their previous level of performance after a kneecap dislocation? Many athletes can return to their pre-injury level of performance with proper rehabilitation and patience. However, some may need to make adjustments to their training or playing style to prevent future dislocations.

Psychological Aspects of Recovery

The psychological impact of a kneecap dislocation shouldn’t be overlooked. Some individuals may experience:

• Fear of re-injury
• Loss of confidence in their physical abilities
• Anxiety about returning to sports or activities

Addressing these psychological aspects is an important part of the overall recovery process.

Advances in Treatment and Research

The field of orthopedics continues to evolve, bringing new insights and treatment options for kneecap dislocations. Recent advancements include:

• Improved surgical techniques for ligament reconstruction
• Enhanced imaging technologies for more accurate diagnosis
• Development of specialized rehabilitation protocols
• Research into genetic factors that may predispose individuals to dislocations

How might future treatments for kneecap dislocations differ from current approaches? Emerging research in regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy and growth factor injections, may offer new possibilities for enhancing healing and preventing recurrences.

The Role of Wearable Technology

Wearable technology is increasingly being used in the prevention and management of knee injuries, including kneecap dislocations. These devices can:

• Monitor knee movement patterns
• Provide real-time feedback on proper form during exercises
• Track progress during rehabilitation
• Alert users to potential risk factors for injury

While these technologies show promise, it’s important to note that they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional medical advice and treatment.

Living with Patellar Instability: Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals prone to kneecap dislocations or those who have experienced multiple incidents, certain lifestyle adjustments may be necessary:

• Choosing low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
• Using supportive braces during physical activities
• Regular participation in maintenance physical therapy
• Being mindful of knee positioning during daily activities
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees

Is it possible to lead an active lifestyle with patellar instability? Yes, many individuals with patellar instability can maintain an active lifestyle with proper management and precautions. The key is to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan that balances activity with knee health.

Nutrition and Knee Health

While often overlooked, nutrition plays a role in maintaining overall joint health, including the knees. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients that support joint health can be beneficial. Key nutrients include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Collagen
• Antioxidants

Consulting with a nutritionist can help develop a dietary plan that supports knee health and overall well-being.

The Importance of Patient Education in Managing Kneecap Dislocations

Effective management of kneecap dislocations relies heavily on patient education. Key aspects of patient education include:

• Understanding the anatomy of the knee and how dislocations occur
• Recognizing early signs of potential dislocation
• Learning proper techniques for exercises and daily activities
• Understanding the importance of compliance with treatment plans
• Knowing when to seek medical attention

How can healthcare providers improve patient education regarding kneecap dislocations? Utilizing a variety of educational tools, such as visual aids, interactive models, and take-home materials, can enhance patient understanding and engagement in their care.

The Role of Support Groups

Support groups, whether in-person or online, can be valuable resources for individuals dealing with kneecap dislocations. These groups offer:

• Emotional support from others with similar experiences
• Practical tips for managing daily activities
• Information on new treatments and research
• A sense of community and reduced feelings of isolation

Participating in support groups can be an important complement to medical care, providing both practical and emotional benefits.

Dislocated Kneecap (Dislocated Patella) (for Parents)

en español: Rótula dislocada

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

What Is a Dislocated Kneecap?

A dislocated kneecap is when the bone in the front of the knee — called the kneecap or patella — slides out of place.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Dislocated Kneecap?

Common symptoms of a dislocated kneecap or dislocated patella (peh-TELL-uh) include:

• feeling like the knee buckled or “gave out” 
• sudden, severe pain and swelling
• a bump noticed on the outside of the knee. This is the kneecap that is out of place. 
• the knee is held in a bent position
• bruising around the knee

How Does a Dislocated Kneecap Happen?

The kneecap sits on the front of the knee joint. When the knee is bent and straightened, the kneecap slides up and down in a groove in the front of the knee. A direct blow to the knee, such as in a fall or an accident, can push the kneecap out of the groove, or dislocate it. The kneecap also can dislocate when the knee gets twisted during sports or play.

A dislocated kneecap can happen to any child or teen who has a blow or twist to the knee. Some kids have conditions that make them more likely to dislocate the kneecap. These include things like some leg muscles being stronger than others or loose ligaments (bands of tissue that hold bones together at joints).

How Is a Dislocated Kneecap Diagnosed?

Often, doctors can tell there is a dislocated kneecap by asking questions and looking at the knee. X-rays aren’t needed for a diagnosis, but are done after the kneecap is back in place to check for small fractures in the bone. These can happen as the kneecap slides out of its groove and then back into place.

How Is a Dislocated Kneecap Treated?

A person with a dislocated kneecap needs care at the hospital right away. After giving pain medicine, the doctor or another health care provider will gently slide the kneecap back into place while straightening the leg. This quick maneuver is called a reduction. Then, they’ll order an X-ray to check for fractures.

Sometimes a dislocated kneecap may move back into place on its own if the child straightens the leg before getting to the hospital. If this happens, the doctor will still get an X-ray to check the knee for fractures.

After a kneecap is back in place, a child will need to wear a knee immobilizer (a brace that keeps the knee straight) on the knee for a few weeks and avoid activities that cause pain, such as walking, standing, and repetitive bending. Kids and teens may need crutches to help with walking. Physical therapy and strengthening exercises help to heal the knee. Often, a person will go see an orthopedic provider (bone specialist) to make sure the knee is healing well.

What Else Should I Know?

After dislocating a kneecap, kids and teens must stay out of sports and other physical activities for a few weeks. Most kids can return to these in about 4–6 weeks with therapy and exercises to build strength. Some kids might need to also use a supportive knee wrap or athletic brace during sports for a while. Your care team will let you know when your child is ready.

To help your child heal as quickly as possible, follow the doctor’s advice about:

• which activities to avoid
• which activities are OK (for example, swimming may be fine while your child heals)
• strengthening exercises
• going to all follow-up doctor visits

Talk to your health care provider about ways to prevent a future dislocation, such as:

• stretching before and after sports
• working to strengthen the leg muscles

These steps also can help protect against other injuries.

Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: February 2022

Share:

Dislocated kneecap – NHS

A dislocated kneecap is where your kneecap (patella) moves out of place. It is usually caused by an injury to the knee. Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have a dislocated kneecap.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

You’ve injured your knee and:

• it’s very painful
• it’s swollen or bruised
• you cannot stand up or move your knee
• you think your kneecap dislocated and then moved back into place

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E if:

You’ve injured your knee and:

• your knee has changed shape
• it becomes very swollen very quickly
• you felt a pop or snap in your knee
• you can see bone sticking out of your skin
• it’s bleeding heavily

Call 999 if you’re unable to get to A&E.

While you are waiting for medical help

If you think you have dislocated your kneecap, there are some things you can do while waiting for treatment:

Don’t

• do not raise the affected knee

• do not try to stand or walk on the affected leg

• do not try to put the kneecap back into place yourself

Treatment for a dislocated kneecap

A dislocated kneecap often moves back into place by itself.

Even if it does, you will still need to get it checked by a doctor. You will usually need X-rays or an MRI scan.

If your kneecap does not go back into place by itself, a doctor may have to move it back. You will be given a local anaesthetic and may be offered a sedative so you do not feel any pain.

Surgery may be needed if you have badly damaged your knee. Some people may also need surgery to stop the knee from dislocating again.

After treatment, you’ll need to go to follow-up appointments to check your knee is healing properly.

Recovering from a dislocated kneecap

It can take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from a dislocated kneecap, but you will usually be able to walk using the affected knee within a few days.

You may be given a knee support to wear for 2 weeks to help it heal. If walking is painful, using a crutch may help.

Your doctor or a physiotherapist will show you knee exercises that you should do regularly to help speed up your recovery.

Things you can do to help your recovery

There are some things you can do to help with the recovery of a dislocated kneecap.

Do

• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain

• keep your knee and lower leg slightly raised and supported when resting to reduce swelling

• do knee exercises throughout the day to stop your knee getting stiff

• stay as active as you can

Page last reviewed: 25 January 2023
Next review due: 25 January 2026

Knee injury: consequences and rehabilitation

Knee injury is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. First of all, professional athletes are at risk, as well as rollerbladers and cyclists, skiers, and snowboarders. Sometimes people get a knee injury as a result of a car accident.

For mild knee injuries, it is recommended to reduce physical activity and apply ice compresses. Severe injuries will require surgery and rehabilitation with the participation of a physical therapist. The most common types of knee injuries are: bruise, dislocation, knee fracture, sprain, meniscus tear.

Let’s talk about common injuries and rehabilitation methods.

Patient in physical therapy session

Fracture of the knee

Any bone in and around the knee can be broken, but the most common fracture is the patella, for example as a result of a fall or car accident. People with osteoporosis are at risk of fracture due to reduced bone density.

A displaced fracture may require surgery, but if the bone is in the correct position, it is enough to wear an orthopedic immobilizer (fixator) to keep the knee in the desired position, and also not to load the leg and patiently wait for recovery.

If the injury was caused by jumping and landing on a straight knee, then it is important to take not only an x-ray of the patella, but also a CT scan to make sure that the bones are not displaced, the fracture will not cause complications to the femur and will not lead to arthritis in the future and chronic pain.

Knee dislocation

Falls, contact sports and car accidents are the most common causes of knee dislocation. With it, one or more bones can be displaced from their natural position. A dislocation can damage the blood vessels and nerves around the knee and may require surgery. Displaced patella can be very painful, but easily reversible injury – you need to see a doctor to set the patella in place and apply a splint. Subsequently, a set of physiotherapeutic exercises developed by a specialist in a hospital or rehabilitation center is recommended.

Tendon rupture

Tendons are soft tissues that connect muscles to bones. In the event of a knee injury, the tendon of the kneecap is damaged. This injury can be obtained during sports and as a result of accidental falls. The elderly are also at risk.

If a person cannot lift their leg due to a torn tendon, they should see a doctor as soon as possible. You may need to do an x-ray and an MRI. If they confirm the rupture, then surgery will be required, after which a plaster is installed. Recovery can be lengthy and should be supervised by an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist.

Injury to the meniscus

The meniscus is a small piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the joint, so if it is damaged, the knee loses stability. A meniscus injury is characterized by inability to flex and straighten the leg, difficulty going up and down stairs, and a characteristic click can be heard when the knee moves. Athletes and dancers know a lot about meniscus damage – this is one of the most common injuries.

A meniscal tear can be identified using X-ray and MRI. Damage may require arthroscopy or surgery. A torn meniscus may require surgery to remove it. When displaced, the orthopedic doctor sets the meniscus in place and puts a plaster or splint, after which physiotherapy is necessary.

There are also degenerative lesions of the meniscus caused by the aging process. Then the injury can be obtained when performing simple exercises: squats, getting up from your haunches, or even in a dream. Treatment and rehabilitation for degenerative lesions should be discussed with an orthopedic and physical therapist.

Tendinitis

This is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the lower leg and the kneecap. Athletes, especially runners, are most at risk, as the cause of tendinitis is constant overexertion and microtrauma. Tendinitis is characterized by pain when pressing on the ligaments and sharp pain during peak exercise during sports. For treatment, you will first need to give up sports, then relieve inflammation with the help of medications, take a course of therapeutic exercises. In special cases, surgery may be needed to remove diseased tissue.

General symptoms

Pain characteristics and intensity may depend on the type of knee injury. But there are symptoms that you should pay attention to in all cases of injury:

• Swelling of the knee,
• Inability to bend or straighten the knee,
• Cracking in the knee,
• Visible bone deformity,
• Increased temperature in the knee area,
• Difficulty in carrying weights,
• Constant aching and non-recurring sharp pain,
• Loss of sensation in the knee area.

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms are as described above and first aid and home care do not help, you should see a doctor.
Emergency care is needed immediately after an injury to prevent complications, and in situations of severe swelling and fever in the knee area, which may be an indicator of infection. This is especially important for people with weak immune systems, children, and people who have had previous knee surgery.

An initial examination can be performed by a general practitioner. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is worth contacting a surgeon and an orthopedist. To determine the nature of the injury, the doctor examines the knee and palpates, revealing pathologies. An x-ray may be needed to assess the nature of the injury. An MRI is needed if there is a suspicion of ligament and meniscal injury. Physiotherapists will ensure an effective rehabilitation process.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of knee injury:

• Overweight. Increases stress on the knee joints even during normal activities such as walking or going up and down stairs. It also increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis by destroying articular cartilage.

• Lack of muscle flexibility. Strong and toned muscles help stabilize and protect joints, while muscle flexibility allows for greater range of motion and thus less risk of meniscus injury.

• Some sports. Alpine skiing, basketball, jogging require more stress on the knees than other sports. If you play these sports, it is worth checking regularly with your doctor.

• Previous injury. Having a previous knee injury increases the chance of getting a new one.

The recovery process

The goal of knee treatment and recovery is to return the person to their level of activity and quality of life as they were before the injury. The prognosis for recovery is always individual and depends on the type of injury, as well as the amount of exercise performed. Depending on the type of damage, rehabilitation can take several weeks or several months.

Start rehabilitation

Describe what happened and what condition the patient is in now.

We will study the case, draw up a rehabilitation plan and agree on a check-in date with you. If necessary, we will arrange transportation from another hospital or city.

Website *

Lastname *

Your phone number

Describe the patient’s condition (optional)

Attach a statement +

Clicking ” Submit” you agree with the personal data processing policy

Describe what happened and what condition the patient is in now.

We will study the case, draw up a rehabilitation plan and agree on a check-in date with you. If necessary, we will arrange transportation from another hospital or city.

first aid, methods of treatment, types, reasons, what to do

The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex in the human body. At the same time, this is a very fragile joint, which, in terms of the frequency of injuries, is comparable only to the ankle joint. This is due to the high stress that the knee bears when walking, cycling and skiing or playing football, as it carries the weight of the entire body as it moves. A knee injury is the most common reason people see a doctor. In case of minor injuries, conservative treatment is carried out, however, there are injuries when a surgical operation is necessary for recovery, followed by rehabilitation.

Content:

1. Causes of knee injuries
2. What are knee injuries: the most common cases
   1. knee fracture
   2. Dislocation of the knee
   3. Knee injury
   4. meniscus injury
   5. tendon rupture
   6. Knee sprain
   7. Tendinitis
3. Risk Factors Leading to Knee Injury
4. First aid for knee injuries
5. Treatment of knee injuries
6. Exercises to develop the knee joint after injury

Causes of knee injuries

Most often, athletes have knee injuries, but the knee joint can be easily damaged even in everyday life. The main causes of domestic injuries are:

• fall from a height;
• sudden extension and flexion of the knee;
• high jump landing on a straight leg;
• hit with a hard object in the knee joint;
• excessive twisting of the lower leg and thigh in opposite directions.

In addition, knee injury can occur in people who suffer from diseases that weaken the knee joint: arthrosis and arthritis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, inflammation of bone tissue caused by impaired collagen synthesis, lack of vitamins and minerals, and other pathologies.

To make an appointment, leave your phone number

What are knee injuries: the most common cases

Athletes and people whose work is associated with increased physical exertion should be aware of what knee injuries can be. The most common injuries are: contusion, dislocation, sprain and rupture of the medial or lateral ligament, fractures of the patella and bones (external and internal), violation of the integrity of the meniscus.

Important!

Any damage to the knee joint causes similar pain, therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to contact a traumatologist, who, using X-ray examination or CT, will accurately determine what kind of injury the patient has experienced.

Knee Fracture

Any bone in the knee joint can break in a fall, car accident, or impact with a hard object, but the kneecap is usually fractured. It is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, hemorrhage into the joint cavity due to rupture of blood vessels, and the inability to raise a straight leg. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray examination. In case of a fracture with a displacement of the bone, surgical intervention is indicated, during which the fragments are pulled together and connected to each other using plates and screws. If the fragments are in an anatomical position, it is recommended to wear an orthopedic fixator that holds the joint in the desired position, and to perform physiotherapy.

Dislocation of the knee

Dislocation of the knee is a serious injury in which one or more bones are displaced from their anatomical position. Causes include a sudden change of direction during a fall, an accident, a sharp knee rotation due to mechanical force. In many cases, the dislocation is painful, but is easily reduced by a traumatologist, followed by splinting. If, as a result of an injury, blood vessels and nerve fibers in the articulation area are damaged, there is a risk of developing ischemic complications. In this case, surgical treatment is necessary.

Knee contusion

Knee contusion is a traumatic injury resulting from a fall, a blow with a blunt object or a sharp rotation of the torso on a fixed foot, which occurred without compromising the integrity of the articulation structures. When bruised, the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and all intra-articular elements suffer. With a mild injury, capillary rupture does not occur, due to reflex spasm and vasodilation, edema and hematomas are observed. With a strong bruise, there is pain, severe hemorrhage, the affected tissues are saturated with blood. When it enters the articular cavity, hemarthrosis or synovitis is diagnosed.

Meniscus injury

The meniscus is a fibrous cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint during movement. Injury to the meniscus of the knee joint is most often found in athletes, ballet dancers, people performing heavy physical work. If the meniscus is damaged, it is impossible to bend and straighten the leg, there are difficulties with climbing and descending stairs. Symptoms are characteristic clicks, pain, swelling, limited movement. When X-ray diagnostics and MRI in the joint, an accumulation of fluid is detected. When the cartilage is displaced, the orthopedist inserts them into place and applies a cast or splint. For small tears, arthroscopy of the knee joint is performed to relieve swelling, remove fluid and restore mobility. With extensive tears, an operation is performed to remove the meniscus.

Tendon rupture

Tendon joints are located under the knee and are responsible for flexion and extension of the hip, keeping the body in an upright position when walking. Injuries are provoked by active sports, open fractures, knee injuries with sharp objects, improper load distribution, and age-related tissue degeneration. The main symptoms are intense pain in the knee and gait disturbance caused by difficulty bending the leg while walking. If you have difficulty lifting the straight leg, you should contact a traumatologist or orthopedist to do an x-ray examination and an MRI. If the rupture is confirmed, the patient will need surgery followed by a cast on the knee.

Sprain of the knee ligaments

Injuries of the ligaments of the knee joint are formed when the lower leg is twisted outward or inward, with direct blows, falls from a height, road accidents, and other multicomponent effects. At the time of injury, the victim feels a click and sharp pain. The mobility of the lower leg is impaired, swelling and hematomas may form, lameness, signs of joint instability may appear.

Diagnosis of fresh injuries is carried out under local anesthesia, x-rays are prescribed to exclude a fracture, MRI for layer-by-layer examination of ligaments, cartilage and tendons, ultrasound to determine the volume of synovial fluid. The leg is fixed with an elastic bandage, in difficult cases arthroscopy of the knee joint is prescribed.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis of the knee is an inflammatory process that affects the patellar ligament. Inflammation is localized in the area of ​​the tendon that connects the patella to the lower leg. The causes of the disease are microtrauma and constant overstrain of the tendon. The disease is most often diagnosed in athletes: athletes, football players, basketball players, tennis players. It is characterized by severe pain during extreme loads, as well as pain when pressing on the ligaments in a calm state. Predisposing factors are: foot pathology, wearing uncomfortable shoes, joint injuries, an ill-conceived training schedule, jumping on a hard surface, heavy weight.

To make an appointment, leave your phone number

Risk factors for knee injury

Risk factors for various types of knee injury include:

1. Being overweight. Increases the load on the articular joints during normal movements, destroys articular cartilage, increases the likelihood of developing arthritis and arthrosis.
2. Weakness of the muscular system. Well-developed muscles hold and protect the joints from injury, increase the range of motion.
3. Chronic injuries and inflammations. Poorly healed previous injuries to cartilage and bone tissue increase the risk of new injuries.
4. Active sports activities. Increase the load on the knee joint and increase the risk of injury basketball, football, hockey, skiing, jogging.

First Aid for Knee Injuries

For those who play sports or work that involves heavy physical exertion, it is important to know how to determine which knee injury has occurred in order to provide first aid to the victim. This is a standard procedure that requires:

1. Provide peace. The person should be laid on a flat hard surface and slightly raise the injured leg by placing a pillow or roller under it.
2. Put a splint or compression bandage on the leg (except for a broken joint) to fix it in a stationary horizontal position.
3. Apply ice to the injury site for 2 to 3 hours. This will reduce pain and swelling.
4. In case of severe pain, give the victim any pain medication.
5. If there is an open fracture, stop the bleeding by applying a tourniquet to the leg above the site of injury, indicating the time. After an hour, the tourniquet must be loosened and shifted a little higher.

Important!

You can not independently set the joint in case of dislocation, touch the bone fragments in case of an open fracture or try to put them in place, warm up the knee within 48 hours after the injury, since there is a high risk of complications.

Treatment of knee injuries

Depending on the nature of the injury, knee injuries are treated in different ways. Minor injuries are treated with conservative methods: therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, medication. The most serious injuries are considered to be an injury to the meniscus of the knee, a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a fracture of the knee joint. The most effective and safe methods of treatment are used in the Department of Surgery of the Garvis Clinic:

1. Metal osteosynthesis. It is performed with multi-comminuted, periarticular and intra-articular fractures of bones. During the operation, an orthopedic traumatologist installs metal implants that allow you to match and hold bone fragments in the correct anatomical position, which contributes to the rapid healing of the damaged bone.
2. Arthroscopy of the knee. A minimally invasive operation, the indications for which are both chronic injuries that occurred more than 1 month ago, as well as fresh meniscus injuries, synovitis and other pathologies. During arthroscopy, 2 small incisions are made, into one of which a special solution is introduced to wash the articular cavity, and into the other – an arthroscope with a microvideo camera. The doctor sees the image on the monitor and can perform the necessary manipulations. The advantage of arthroscopy is the absence of negative consequences after the procedure.
3. Knee replacement. A complex endoscopic operation, during which a damaged and worn joint is replaced with an artificial one. Endoprosthetics is performed in case of improper bone fusion and the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treating arthrosis, bone tissue necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, purulent inflammation of the joint and other diseases.

To make an appointment, leave your phone number

Exercises to develop the knee joint after injury

Very often people are wondering what to do to prevent knee injuries. The answer is simple enough. Massage of the knee joint after an injury and a set of exercises will help reduce the risk of re-injury and restore knee mobility:

1. Sliding the heel on the floor. The exercise is performed in the supine position. The heel, without lifting off the floor, must be slowly moved to the buttocks and slowly returned to its original position.
2. Flexion of the injured knee with the healthy leg. Suitable for early rehabilitation after injury. Exercise is done while sitting on a chair. Placing a healthy leg over the patient, they try to bend the damaged knee joint as much as possible.
3. Knee flexion with belt. The patient sits on a chair and rests on a healthy leg. The ankle of the injured leg is secured with a strap that is wrapped around the leg of the chair, with the free end in the hand. It is necessary to pull the belt towards you so that the injured knee bends until pain appears in the thigh area.
4. Knee extension with support. Sitting on a chair and focusing on a healthy leg, the foot of the diseased limb is placed on a chair or cabinet so that the injured knee remains on weight. To extend the leg, you can use various weights.