Patellar Subluxation – What Is It And How Is It Treated?

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 07, 2009 – There are a number of problems that can strike the knee, but few are as painful as patellar subluxation.  Read on for information regarding this painful knee issue and how to help treat it.

The trochlea is a groove on the thigh bone (femur) that is essential for knee movement. The kneecap moves along this grove, which allows for your knee to bend in a proper manner. Unfortunately, sometimes the kneecap does not move properly in the groove, which can lead to problems. In some cases, the knee leaves the groove altogether, which results in knee dislocation. In others it just slides improperly, which can cause pain or discomfort for the patient.

Although patellar subluxation can affect anyone of us, adolescents and young children usually are the ones to suffer. There are a number of reasons why someone may get patellar subluxation, including being born with a groove that is too shallow, a wide pelvis or abnormalities in ones gait.

A doctor will typically take X-rays of the knee to assess the damage. If the kneecap has left the groove altogether, the knee will have to be put back in place. If the knee is still within the groove, there are a number of other treatment options available.

Therapy

Physical therapy is commonly used to treat patellar subluxation. Strengthening the hip abductors and hip flexors is crucial to controlling the motion of the kneecap. This is accomplished using a range of pelvic stabilization exercises, which help to strengthen the muscles and support your knee.

Your Shoes

Take a look at your footwear. Wearing the wrong shoes can promote gait deviations.  Making sure that you have decent footwear can both help control your gait, and lessen the tension on your knee.

Using A Knee Brace

Using a knee brace can help provide knee support and to lessen the pain. There are knee braces that help control the knee cap, so it does not deviate from its course along the trochlea.  The knee supports can be very helpful in reducing knee pain as well.

Surgery

In some cases, the above treatment options may not work in the long term, and surgery may be required. In most cases surgery is not needed, but if your knee constantly gets dislocated or you are in severe pain a lot of the time, there may be no other option.

Patellar subluxation can cause other problems with the knee to occur. For instance, osteoarthritis can be caused by patellar subluxation, which is why consulting your physician is a wise decision if you are experiencing knee pain.

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