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.
