Knee Instability – What Is It?
  • Some patients have an unstable kneecap (patella) which can dislocate from its anatomical position and slip to one side. This results in an unstable knee which can give way making the patients apprehensive about their knee. Generally, this is known as instability of the knee.
  • Knee instability is a result of an anatomical abnormality wherein the front of the knee joint is malformed. For instance, it can be due to a shallow trochlear groove, a small patella or abnormal patellar placement, or there may be defects in the soft tissues and ligaments of the knee. This is known as patellofemoral dysplasia.
  • At times, a normal knee can suffer with patellar instability if it undergoes twisting or a sporting injury.  This is known as traumatic dislocation.
Patella Instability Diagnosis
  • Physicians perform a number of diagnostic investigations to evaluate the condition of the patellofemoral joint.  The doctor will first take the patient’s history and physical presentation followed by radiographic investigations like special X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans.
Patella Instability Treatment
  • Patellar dislocation is a condition which needs urgent attention.  One can either visit the A&E Department or a chiropractor for relocation.
  • Some cases may be healed by conservative measures like taping, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and increasing the muscle bulk.</li.
  • In case of chronically loose kneecap or frequent dislocations, surgical intervention is needed to heal the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in addition to contracture releases and tibial tubercle osteotomy for bony realignment.
  • The type of procedure required to treat longstanding patellar instability is determined by its cause. This instability can be due to soft tissue laxity, bony misalignment or both.
  • The type of procedure and post-procedure rehabilitation is unique to each patient in that it is patient specific and is determined by the nature of instability.
  • Dr. Rewat Laxman has a special interest in patellofemoral joint abnormalities and has carried out a number of operations to treat PFJ instability with a high success rate.