What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Knee Bone? How Should It Be Managed?
Knee bone dislocation is a common phenomenon in orthopedics, also known as patellar dislocation. It occurs when the patella is misplaced outside the femoral trochlea, a condition that is more common in women. Knee bone dislocation can be caused by vigorous flexion of the knee joint or contraction of the quadriceps muscle when squatting. The dislocation occurs on the lateral side of the joint and can be treated with reduction. If reduction is difficult, surgical treatment may be necessary. Let's take a look at the symptoms and treatment options for knee bone dislocation.
Knee bone, also known as the patella, can become dislocated, resulting in patellar dislocation. This occurs when the patella moves out of its normal position within the femoral trochlea. It is more commonly seen in women. The structures involved in knee extension include the quadriceps muscle, patella, and femoral trochlea. Pathological conditions such as genu valgum, dysplasia of the lateral femoral condyle, high-riding patella, and patellar dysplasia can contribute to patellar dislocation. Dislocation can be caused by flexion of the knee joint and vigorous contraction of the quadriceps muscle during squatting. When the patella is dislocated, it may be located on the lateral side of the joint, leading to tears in the medial patellar retinaculum, cartilage damage, joint pain, joint deformity, locking, and dysfunction. Additionally, there may be a sensation of emptiness anterior to the patella. After patellar dislocation, immediate extension of the lower limb and manual pushing of the patella inward can help reduce the dislocation. Surgical treatment may be necessary if reduction is difficult.
Clinically, when a patient experiences knee bone dislocation, it can be diagnosed as patellar dislocation. The treatment approach for this condition varies depending on the severity of the dislocation and the patient's clinical presentation. For patients with occasional patellar subluxation, conservative treatment may be adopted, including anesthetized reduction and immobilization of the knee joint using braces or plaster casts. However, for patients with frequent patellar subluxation or complete dislocation, surgical treatment may be necessary. Surgical reduction can be performed under epidural anesthesia, followed by ligament and joint capsule tightening sutures. Postoperatively, the knee joint needs to be immobilized in a straight position. Additionally, if the patellar dislocation results in patellar chondromalacia, patients should be advised to take anti-osteoporosis medication.
