What is Patellofemoral instability / dislocation?
Instability can be differentiated into developmental or traumatic causes. This means that if it's due to developmental causes then it is usually an abnormality with the joint. These can be due to:
- a shallow trochlea (Trochlear dysplasia)
- High riding patella (Patella Alta)
- an abnormal insertion of the patellar tendon on the tibia (shin)
- knock knees
If it's traumatic it means the anatomy may be fine but due to the trauma, there has been some damage caused to the joint - usually a rupture to the MPFL (medial patella-femoral ligament).
What are the causes of Patellofemoral instability / dislocation?
Instability can be differentiated into developmental or traumatic causes. This means that if it's due to developmental causes then it is usually an abnormality with the joint. These can be due to:
- a shallow trochlea (Trochlear dysplasia)
- High riding patella (Patella Alta)
- an abnormal insertion of the patellar tendon on the tibia (shin)
- knock knees
If it's traumatic it means the anatomy may be fine but due to the trauma, there has been some damage caused to the joint - usually a rupture to the MPFL (medial patella-femoral ligament).
How is Patellofemoral instability / dislocation investigated?
We will carry out a thorough examination of the knee joint and we routinely carry out MRI scans to look at the anatomy in more detail to help work out what type of treatment may be required.
