Question 1

how is a dislocated kneecap treated?

Accepted Answer

Relocation: Pt and possible surgery.

Question 2

what can cause a dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Trauma: Most common cause would be trauma, such as a direct blow to the knee, or a twisting injury.  Many patients with a dislocated kneecap have anatomy that predisposes them to having that problem.

Question 3

dislocated kneecap recovery time long?

Accepted Answer

6-12weeks: If it was the first time you dislocated you knee cap, then the usual treatment is 3-6 weeks in a knee immobilizer followed by 6 weeks of physical therapy.  I usual put my patients in a patella tracking brace during this six weeks that they wear most of time.  After six weeks they only wear it for sports.  If it is not the first  dislocation then you should really thinking abou having surgery.

Question 4

what are the signs i have a dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Pain  and swelling: The kneecap has a groove that it glides in naturally. If it dislocates, slips out of this groove,  a pop is typically felt or heard. It is usually associated with pain and swelling. In some cases  the kneecap will spontaneously go back into place but in others medical assistance is required to return it to the groove.  Complications may include fracture, cartilage defect, persistent instability.

Question 5

how long can i dance after a dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Wait 4-6 weeks : I would wait at least 4-6 weeks if it is the first time.  Avoid deep squatting and twisting.  Make sure you strengthen your vastus medialis of your quadriceps by doing terminal extension exercises.  Wear a knee sleeve with a hole for the patella when you first start dancing again.  Make sure you are seen by an orthopaedic surgeon because you can have a cartilage injury from the dislocation.

Question 6

how long does it take  to heal a dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

4-8 weeks: It depend on the injury, wither you need surgery or not.

Question 7

after a dislocated kneecap how long is the  recovery?

Accepted Answer

Few days to weeks: A kneecap dislocation resulting from a traumatic contact injury may be associated with supporting ligament injury and even fracture to the undersurface of the kneecap.  This often takes weeks for recovery.  Surgery may even be required a non-contact kneecap dislocation in someone with "loose joints" may only take a few days to resolve. A brace and strengthening exercises are recommended.

Question 8

should i lift my leg after a dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Knee: Can you? If it is still idslocated get it fixed first. If you mean it displaces laterally and then popps back then it is ok.

Question 9

how long before i can play basketball after having dislocated kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on the severity of dislocation and associated injuries. It can be anywhere from a few weeks to several weeks. Consult an orthopedic sports surgeon.

Question 10

should i get a brace after lateral release/dislocated kneecap surgery?

Accepted Answer

May not need: If the instabity was corrected surgically, your
patella (kneecap) should now track more 
centrally in the groove 
sometimes a brace will be helpful in the short
run.
But as you get your quad strength hopefully
you will not need a brace or have further
problems with patella instability.

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Doctor answers about:

Partially dislocated kneecap

A member asked:

How is a dislocated kneecap treated?

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What can cause a dislocated kneecap?

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Dislocated kneecap recovery time long?

A member asked:

What are the signs i have a dislocated kneecap?

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How long can i dance after a dislocated kneecap?

A member asked:

How long does it take to heal a dislocated kneecap?

A member asked:

After a dislocated kneecap how long is the recovery?

A member asked:

Should i lift my leg after a dislocated kneecap?

A member asked:

How long before i can play basketball after having dislocated kneecap?

A member asked:

Should i get a brace after lateral release/dislocated kneecap surgery?

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