Patellar dislocation Specialists in San Antonio
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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 Patellar Dislocation?
A patellar dislocation occurs when the patella moves out of its vertical groove in the knee joint. The majority of patellar dislocations occur when the patella pops out laterally. During a patellar dislocation, the ligaments that surround the kneecap may become damaged as well.
Is a patellar dislocation the same as a patellar subluxation?
No! A patellar 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 patellar dislocation and a patellar subluxation?
The most common symptoms of a patellar 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 kneecap 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 patellar 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