04/08/2025
𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
🔎 What is Patellar Dislocation?
A patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, usually laterally, due to trauma or structural instability. It is most common in young athletes and may damage surrounding soft tissues like the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), retinaculum, and articular cartilage.
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🚨 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨
1) Sudden twisting injury (pivoting sports)
2) Direct trauma to the knee
3) Hyperlaxity or ligamentous weakness
4) Shallow trochlear groove (dysplasia)
5) Weakness of vastus medialis oblique (VMO)
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𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
1) Severe pain and swelling
2) Visible deformity (initially)
3) Difficulty bending or weight-bearing
4) Positive patellar apprehension test
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🩺 𝙂𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮
1. Reduce pain and inflammation
2. Restore full ROM (Range of Motion)
3. Strengthen quadriceps (especially VMO)
4. Improve patellar tracking
5. Prevent recurrence
6. Facilitate return to function and sport
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🗓️ 𝙋𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙮 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨
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🔹 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 1: 𝘼𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 (0–2 weeks)
•Goals: Pain relief, inflammation control, joint protection
•Interventions:
-Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
-Patellar brace or taping to prevent re-dislocation
-Isometric quadriceps contractions
-Gentle active-assisted ROM (0–30° progressing gradually)
-Ankle pumps to prevent DVT
•Education: Avoid twisting and sudden knee movements
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🔹 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 2: 𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 (2–6 weeks)
•Goals: ROM improvement, initiate strengthening
•Interventions:
-Full knee ROM exercises (heel slides, wall slides)
-Closed-chain quadriceps strengthening (mini squats, step-ups)
-VMO-specific activation: Biofeedback, electrical stimulation
-Proprioception training: balance board, single-leg stance
-Stationary cycling with minimal resistance
-Patellar mobilization (medial glide if safe)
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🔹 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 3: 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 (6–12 weeks)
•Goals: Normalize gait, build strength, enhance control
•Interventions:
-Resistance band strengthening (hamstrings, quads, glutes)
-Lateral step-downs, lunges (progressively)
-Dynamic balance training
-Taping or bracing during activity
-Initiate sport-specific drills
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🔹 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 4: 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 Phase (3–6 months)
•Goals: Return to high-level function, prevent recurrence
•Interventions:
-Plyometrics (jump squats, hopping drills)
-Agility training (ladder drills, shuttle runs)
-Eccentric control exercises
-Psychological readiness assessment
-Final clearance with functional tests (e.g., single-leg hop test)
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⚠️ 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧
1) Persistent patellar instability or apprehension
2) Locking or catching → may indicate cartilage injury
3) Pain on patellar compression (may suggest chondromalacia)
4) Recurrent dislocations → refer for orthopedic evaluation (possible surgical need)
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💡 𝙏𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨
1) Focus on neuromuscular control and proprioception
2) Encourage compliance with home exercise programs
3) Monitor for compensatory movement patterns
4) Educate about proper footwear and surface conditions during sports
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📌 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙮
1) Recurrent dislocations
2) Large osteochondral fragments
3) Failed conservative rehab (>3 months with persistent symptoms)