How to treat a dislocated knee cap?

Rest then therapy: Initially, the knee cap should be relocated and then immobilized. Once the swelling and pain decreases within a few weeks, gentle exercises can be started. If the kneecap continues to dislocate, surgery is indicated. Otherwise, initial immobilization followed by physical therapy.

Evaluation Is Key: After reduction and conservative measures to control pain and swelling, the key is to identify associated injuries. If there is a cartilage or osteochondral injury per mri, that problem is managed. If the injury is isolated to the medial patellofemoral ligament, then rehabilitation is the treatment for first time patellar dislocations. Recurrent dislocations are treated differently.