In the final months of the rehab program, focus transitions to sports-specific training. As patients progress through the program, specific lower extremity strength and stabilization activities are introduced. During the first month, emphasis is on healing of the repaired ligament while maintaining range of motion as allowed by the patient's surgeon on an individual basis. Rehabilitation following reconstruction of the patellofemoral ligament focuses on getting the patient fitter, faster, stronger with a primary emphasis on promoting proper tracking of the patella. Failure to address these issues may lead to a chronically unstable patella and potentially an arthritic knee. Surgical treatmentįor patellar dislocations resulting in a damaged ligament, we will most often reconstruct the damaged ligament (patellofemoral ligament) surgically using a donor tendon. If there is damage to the articular cartilage in the joint, we can treat it arthroscopically. If not, a doctor can push the patella back in place. This process is called reduction and can sometimes happen spontaneously. If the patella has been shifted completely outside of its groove, the first step will be returning it to its normal position. Unfortunately the articular cartilage bearing surface between the patella and the femur is impacted and can be also be damaged. X-rays and MRI imaging are used to see how the knee cap fits in its groove, and to assess other possible reasons for your knee pain, such as cartilage damage or torn ligaments. In cases of complete dislocation, the ligament holding the patella in place must tear or severely stretch.

You notice creaking or crackling sounds when you move your kneeĪ careful physical exam, X-rays and an MRI are used to diagnose the extent of the injuries.

You notice stiffness and swelling of your knee.

You are experiencing pain in your knee when you are sitting.

You have pain in the front of your knee that increases with activities.

You feel your knee catching when you move it.

Your knee buckles and can no longer support your weight.

If you dislocate your patella, you may experience some of the following symptoms: A dislocation occurs when the patella shifts out of its normal position in the patellofemoral groove (trochlea), the V-shaped notch on the front of the femur. a helmet hitting the knee) or from a sudden twist or pivoting of the leg (e.g.

Patellar dislocation is usually caused by either a direct trauma to the knee (e.g. The patella, also known as the kneecap, is a thick, circular-triangular bone which articulates with the femur (thigh bone) and covers and protects the anterior (front) articular surface of the knee joint.

Ankle and foot rehabilitation protocols.

I get on my knees video