Kneecap Subluxation

Kneecap Subluxation: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

 

Kneecap Subluxation in Children

A kneecap subluxation, or patellar subluxation, occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of its normal spot in the thigh bone groove. This causes knee instability in children. Moreover, the knee looks off-center after play or movement. Thus, children feel pain and wobble when walking. However, early care helps recovery. A child with a kneecap subluxation feels knee instability or “gives way” after a twist or fall. The patella shifts side to side, then snaps back with a pop. Swelling or bruising appears. Kids limp to protect the knee. This hits ages 10-16 the most, as growth affects alignment. Girls face a higher risk of having wide hips. Repeated shifts soften knee cartilage over time.

Kneecap Subluxation Causes

Kneecap subluxation stems from body traits and outside forces. A hit to the knee, quick turns in soccer, or falls twist the leg. Shallow grooves, tight side tissues, weak thigh muscles, or high kneecaps add risk. Fast growth in teens often worsens joint fit. Family knee issues or loose tissue syndromes contribute to a child getting kneecap subluxation.

Kneecap Subluxation Symptoms

A child feels sharp knee pain at the knee, with a pop or shift. Later, the knee wobbles during play. Then, swelling and tender edges occur, and bending the knee hurts. When the parents look at the kneecap, it looks wrong. Grinding or locks occur. Bad cases hurt when children walk or go up stairs.

Diagnosis of Kneecap Subluxation

An orthopedic children’s doctor begins with getting the child’s history and an exam. They ask about twists, wobbles, and past knees. Then, they check alignment, bend range, and kneecap path. The doctor will test the movement of the patella.  If the child indicates pain, the doctor will then obtain an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays show height and groove. MRI scans soft parts and soft tissue injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical care using a brace can heal the knee in mild cases. A brace holds the knee for 2-6 weeks to stop swelling and heal tissues. Rest, while not skipping running or jumping, is key. Ice and lift ease pain. Pills like ibuprofen help with pain. Therapy builds thigh strength and stretches back legs and side bands. This treatment shows how children can heal very quickly, and it has a 70-80% success rate.

Kneecap Subluxation Surgical Treatment

Surgery occurs with repeat cases, bad cartilage, or failed rest care, often in teens. Doctors will rebuild the knee to hold the patella. Anesthesia lasts 1-2 hours until the knee is repaired surgically. An MRI and growth checks will guide the doctor to not harming bone growth.

Care After Surgery

Post-op care guards the fix and aids in healing. A brace locks the knee for 4-6 weeks; crutches skip weight at first. Meds like pain pills control hurt. Clean the site daily to stop germs; stitches are removed in 10-14 days. Watch for redness, swelling, or heat. The child will not participate in sports for 3-6 months. X-rays will be used to monitor healing.

Rehabilitation

Rehab starts post-lock phase with kid therapists. Early (6-8 weeks), gentle bends and leg lifts build movement sans stress. Later (8-12 weeks), bands strengthen thighs and hams; balance drills steady the knee. Sports return in 4-6 months per progress. Therapists will tweak rehab to block anything that may harm the recovery.

Other Topics for Parents

Parents note key points for a child’s knee health. Doctors need to pay attention to Growth plates, which are key to healing.   Warm-ups, stretches, and braces cut sports risks for children. Pain syndromes or growth issues may appear, so check widely. Calcium and vitamin D assist in bone development and healing.

Why Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists

Parents should choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists for expert knee care. Our expert doctors know children and their bones. They use MRI and surgery to repair knees when seriously injured. Our doctors welcome knee injuries at their offices in Dallas, Arlington, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney.

Kneecap Subluxation Conclusion

Kneecap subluxation needs prompt attention to prevent long-term harm. Most heal without surgery; some with significant injury will need it. Post-care, rehab, and safety tips ensure a full recovery. Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are experts at treating kneecap subluxation.

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Citation: Healthline – What is Patellar Subluxation

The medical content on this page has been carefully reviewed. It was approved for accuracy by the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialist’s qualified healthcare professionals. This includes our board-certified physicians and Physician Assistants. Our team ensures that all information reflects the latest evidence-based practices and meets rigorous standards of medical accuracy, with oversight from our expert spine doctors to guarantee the reliability of our information for our patients.