Patella dislocation Specialists in San Antonio
Get back into the game, safely & Fast.
What Is the patella?
The patella, also known as the kneecap, is a small triangular-shaped bone located in the front of the knee joint, embedded within the quadriceps tendon. The patella plays an important role in the mechanics and stability of the knee.
What is a Patella Dislocation?
A patella dislocation occurs when the patella moves out of its vertical groove in the knee joint. The majority of patella dislocations occur when the patella pops out laterally. During a patella dislocation, the ligaments that surround the kneecap may become damaged as well.
Is a patella dislocation the same as a patella subluxation?
No! A patella subluxation is only a partial dislocation of the patella. This means that the bone slightly popped out of place and is unstable in the joint but not completely dislocated.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A patella dislocation and a patella subluxation?
The most common symptoms of a patella dislocation include:
Popping or snapping sensation at the time of the injury
Immediate and intense pain in the front of the knee
Rapid swelling and tenderness
In some cases, the knee cap may be visibly out of place
Difficulty or inability to flex the knee
Instability making it difficult or impossible to walk
The most common symptoms of a patella subluxation include:
Mild to moderate pain in the front of the kneecap
Slight swelling
Feeling of instability or shifting when trying to move
Mild limitation to flexing the knee
Learn more about injuries you can face as a runner from Dr. MArx!
Are You Experiencing knee Pain? Let’s get in touch!
We have over 1,000 online reviews!
Meet Our Sports Medicine Specialist - Dr. Marx
Dr. Marx is a specialist in treating the shoulder, elbow, and knee. He has expertise in both arthroscopic and open techniques for injuries to ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, rotator cuff, and labrum in addition to shoulder replacement surgery. He enjoys treating patients and athletes of all ages and abilities, working to help them get back to the activities that are most important in their lives.