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What is patellar instability?

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone that fits into a groove on the end of the thighbone and sits over the knee, allowing it to function properly. When the groove is shallow or an accident happens, the kneecap can slide out of place. This is called patellar instability or kneecap dislocation.

In some young athletes, the kneecap repeatedly dislocates by itself, slipping back and forth into place over the course of a few days or weeks. This may cause no pain or mild pain. But when the kneecap is pushed out of place because of an accident, it is usually more painful.

In both cases, it’s important to see a doctor, because without treatment there can be permanent damage and more pain. So, even though this is a fairly common injury, it’s important to be seen by a clinician and often an orthopedist.

Most of the time, kneecap dislocation can be treated with physical therapy and a brace, but in more serious cases, your child may need surgery to repair or tighten the surrounding ligaments. Most children — including those who need surgery — are back to sports and other activities in three to four months.

What are the symptoms of patellar instability?

If your child’s knee is bothersome because it buckles, slips off to the side or catches during movement, it may mean the kneecap is dislocated.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain in the front of the knee that gets worse with activity
  • pain when sitting down
  • stiffness in the knee
  • creaking sounds
  • swelling

What causes patellar instability?

There are two general ways that kneecap dislocation occurs:

  • The kneecap dislocates during an accident. If your child gets into an accident during sports or another physical activity, the kneecap may slide out of place quickly and painfully. It will usually go back into place on its own immediately after it slides out.
    • After this, there may be a lot of pain and swelling in the front of the knee, whether sitting or standing. When trying to walk, the kneecap may catch or slip and it may be difficult for to his or her support weight.
  • The kneecap dislocates by itself. If your child’s kneecap slides in and out of place on its own, he or she should see a doctor within the first few weeks of experiencing symptoms, and should not play through pain.
    • Whether the kneecap dislocates once in a while or very often, dislocation can damage the kneecap and the end of the thighbone. Sometimes the injury can become even more painful and lead to arthritis later in life.

How does Boston Children’s Hospital address patellar instability?

At Boston Children’s Hospital, our doctors specialize in orthopedic care. Our clinical experts lead the country in research and care, and have the pediatric orthopedic expertise to treat conditions affecting movement of the patella or knee cap.

While assessing knee dislocation, our orthopedic team will do everything possible to get the most precise diagnosis, so your child can get back to being active.

Diagnosis & Treatments

How is patellar instability diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a patellar injury begins with a medical history and physical exam. The doctor will evaluate range of motion, the appearance of the knee, and check for soreness or sensitivity.

X-rays may be needed to determine how well the kneecap can fit into the groove. Occasionally, your doctor also may order an MRI to check for ligament tears in the knee.

What are the treatment options for patellar instability?

Treatment for kneecap dislocation depends on how serious the injury is, and whether the kneecap will continue to stay in place over time. The goal is to bring the kneecap to its proper place and keep it there.

Most of the time, the kneecap will go back into place on its own immediately after it dislocates. Other times, children need surgery to keep the kneecap in place. Both treatment options usually allow the child to return to sports and other activities in three to four months.

Kneecap dislocation treatment without surgery

If your child's kneecap dislocates, go to the emergency room. Here, the doctor will do an x-ray to see if the kneecap is back in place — most of the time it will be. Sometimes, the doctor might have to apply pressure to move the kneecap back into place.

Your doctor may recommend a supportive brace and physical therapy until the knee stabilizes. If the kneecap continues to slide out of place, your doctor may do an MRI to check for any tears in the ligament or loose pieces of bone that might have broken off during the dislocation.

Kneecap dislocation surgical treatment

If the knee continues to dislocate or shows symptoms of instability, your child might need surgery to tighten the ligaments and make the area around the knee stronger. This surgery often can be performed arthroscopically using several small incisions.

After surgery, your child will probably wear a brace and walk with crutches for six weeks, and go to physical therapy for two to three months. Once the pain and injury are gone, children usually can return to sports.

Programs & Services

Programs

Lower Extremity Program

Program

The Lower Extremity Program offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for children with lower extremity disorders.

Sports Ultrasound Clinic

Program

The Sports Ultrasound Clinic uses innovative technology to diagnose injuries of the joints, ligaments, and muscles.

Departments

Sports Medicine Division

Department

The Pediatric Sports Medicine Division provides comprehensive care to athletes of all ages and abilities, from professional athletes to eager novices.

Centers

Orthopedic Center

Center

Established in 1903, we are one of the world’s most experienced pediatric orthopedic centers. Learn more.
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