When the patella comes out of its natural place and usually moves towards the outside of the leg, it is called patellar or knee dislocation, an injury that causes swelling of the joint. This type of trauma is the result of a twisting or sudden movement of the knee while the foot is firmly on the ground (which is very common in dance and gymnastics). Most knee dislocations are not the result of a direct blow to the joint. Symptoms include pain, localized swelling and joint instability. Often the knee appears partially bent and the person is unable to fully extend it. There are many things to consider when recovering from a dislocation to make sure your knee heals properly and to avoid future injury.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosis
Step 1. Go to the emergency room immediately if you suspect a patellar dislocation
It is imperative that the trauma is evaluated by an orthopedist before it gets worse. Injuries that are diagnosed and treated early are more likely to heal faster and with fewer medical interventions.
Step 2. Do not attempt to reposition the knee or patella on your own
You should never snap your knee or proceed with other "do it yourself" manipulations. Only a qualified orthopedist should do this, and only in case of a real dislocation; you most likely cannot know if your trauma is really a joint dislocation.
Step 3. Have your knee evaluated by your doctor to rule out other types of injuries
The knee is the joint most prone to trauma. It contains a lot of connective tissue and bones that must work in sync to function properly.
- The medical examination consists of inspecting, palpating and manipulating the knee for swelling and incorrect positioning (or movement) of the joint.
- He will most likely have x-rays on you to rule out fractures. About 10% of patellar dislocations are associated with fracture of the patella itself.
Part 2 of 3: Cure
Step 1. Prepare for dislocation reduction
If the orthopedist comes to the diagnosis of a knee dislocation, then he will proceed to a procedure called "reduction", in which the joint is realigned and the patella repositioned in its place.
- You will be given a pain reliever before the manipulation to minimize pain. You will then be subjected to a second X-ray to make sure all structures are well positioned.
- Remember that it is really important not to attempt this maneuver at home, as it is very difficult to understand if the injury needs to be resolved with surgery or special treatments.
Step 2. Some dislocations need to be resolved in the operating room
If your dislocation is particular or associated with other trauma, then the orthopedist will need to consult with a colleague who specializes in knee surgery to determine the treatment approach.
Part 3 of 3: Healing
Step 1. Rest your leg just as directed by your doctor
You should follow the orthopedist's instructions to the letter but, below, are some general rules:
- Lift the knee;
- Apply the ice pack or cold pack for 10-15 minutes;
- Repeat the cold treatment four times a day for the first few days after the trauma.
Step 2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
If the orthopedist agrees, you can take ibuprofen to control pain and swelling. Always follow the dosage recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
- You can also take acetaminophen, but this substance would only cure the pain.
- See your doctor if you need to take medications for more than a week.
Step 3. Put on a brace
Once the dislocation has been reduced, a brace must be worn to prevent the patella from coming out of its place again. The connective tissue of the joint takes weeks to heal properly and ensure the stability of the knee.
In the meantime, it is essential to wear the brace to support the joint
Step 4. Show up on time for follow-up visits
When you are no longer in pain, you may be tempted to postpone or skip appointments for follow-up visits. However, these meetings are necessary for the physician to ensure that the healing process is proceeding smoothly and that there are no secondary injuries that were not detected at the first visit.
The first check will be scheduled within a few days from the date of the accident
Step 5. Be careful in the following weeks
You shouldn't put any unnecessary stress or pressure on your knee for a few weeks after the accident. You should allow the joint to move, while still giving it plenty of time to heal.
Step 6. Undergo physical therapy if needed
The orthopedist will send you to a physical therapist's office when the knee has started to heal. Go regularly to your appointments and do all the exercises at home that are indicated to you by the professional.
Even if you begin to feel improvements, you must gradually and correctly strengthen the muscles to avoid new trauma and regain complete mobility. By doing this you avoid unnecessary complications during the healing process
Step 7. If you are an athlete you should consult a sports medicine doctor
Athletes who have suffered a patellar dislocation should always contact a specialized and experienced doctor to define a specific recovery path and return to training normally.
In most cases, a knee dislocation will resolve itself in 4-6 weeks and you will need to respect these times before returning to play
Step 8. Take glucosamine supplements
Research has not reached conclusive results regarding this substance, but there is some evidence that it shows some effectiveness on the recovery of joint motility after an injury.
Step 9. Wear footwear that provides adequate support
During your recovery and in the weeks after, when you have returned to normal activity, you should wear good quality shoes. This way you can maintain a steady pace while walking and running without putting unnecessary pressure on your knees.
Advice
- If the dislocation becomes a chronic ailment, then surgery may be needed to correct it, as the tendons must be strained to hold the joint in place.
- Consult a doctor before taking supplements such as glucosamine, as they may interact with medications.
- Rest and not fatigue for several weeks. The knee takes time to heal properly.
- Remember that after having a knee dislocation you are more likely to get injured again.
