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Patella dislocation, subluxation/instability

Information

The patella can subluxate or fully dislocate due to trauma- often a twisting injury, which can be fairly minor. The patella can relocate spontaneously, or require intervention. A dislocation can be associated with a fracture

The instability can become recurrent especially with predisposing factors

  • Female
  • Increased soft tissue laxity
  • Anatomical variants, such as genu valgum and shallow PFJ
  • Young age at initial dislocation
  • Low muscle tone

Advise to attend ED if patella remains dislocated or knee very swollen

All other cases – refer physio.