Recurring patellar dislocation?
How to get rid of patella instability for good

Symptoms of patellar dislocation
– When to see a doctor?

The symptoms of a patellar dislocation usually come on suddenly and dramatically, so the patient immediately senses that something is wrong with the knee. One of the most common complaints is a sharp pain around the patella, often accompanied by a crunching or clicking sound at the moment of injury. The patella moves laterally and the lesion is often visible visually.

Symptoms may include:

• sudden, sharp pain in the front of the knee, often after a wrong movement, sudden turn or jump,
• you can see or feel that the patella has “slipped” laterally,
• knee swelling, sometimes haematoma (due to damage to the soft tissues and ligaments around the patella),
• limited mobility, difficulty in fully extending or bending the knee,
• a feeling of unsteadiness or instability – the knee seems to “buckle” or cannot support the weight of the body.

A medical check-up is also necessary if the pain subsides over time, as there may be underlying ligament damage, cartilage damage or a tendency to recurrent dislocation. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment can be and the shorter the recovery time for a patellar dislocation.

What can cause pain and instability around the patella?

Kneecap pain and instability is often caused by a previous patellar dislocation, loose ligaments or a muscle imbalance. If the patella does not move stably in its socket, it can lead to recurrent micro-injuries, inflammation or cartilage degeneration.

Common causes:

• weak hamstring muscles,
• inappropriate movement pattern,
• congenital anatomical anomalies.

An unstable patella can cause not only pain, but also clicking or a “popping out” sensation when under load. These signs are warning symptoms that require expert investigation if they persist.

The relationship between patellar dislocation and cartilage injury

During a patellar dislocation, the displacement of the patella can easily damage the articular cartilage, especially if the dislocation is severe or repetitive. The damage to the cartilage surface often goes unnoticed, but in the long term it can cause pain, clicking and cartilage degeneration.

The presence of a cartilage hernia has a major influence on the treatment plan after a patellar dislocation and the expected time of recovery. It is therefore important that the doctor also checks the condition of the cartilage thoroughly during the examination, recommending cartilage-building treatments or targeted rehabilitation if necessary.

How is patellar dislocation treated?
– Advanced solutions in BMM

The treatment of a patellar dislocation always depends on the severity of the lesion and the condition of the damaged tissue. At the Budapest Private Orthopedic Clinic, a personalised treatment plan is prepared for each patient under the guidance of Dr. Péter Doszkocs.

The first step in treatment is an accurate diagnosis: modern imaging tests (X-rays, MRI scans) help the doctor to map the extent of the dislocation and any accompanying injuries, such as cartilage herniation or ligament tears.

The details of further treatment options – such as conservative care, knee surgery, patella stabilisation or rehabilitation – will be discussed in the following sections .

Conservative treatment and gymnastics after patellar dislocation

For milder patellar dislocations, especially after a first dislocation, conservative treatment to restore stability to the patella is often sufficient.

This usually includes:

• knee fixation (with knee brace or splint),
• anti-inflammatory therapy,
• followed by a professionally constructed exercise for patients with a patellar dislocation.

Physiotherapy plays a key role in strengthening the muscles and restoring the joint’s function, thus reducing the chance of re-dislocation. Rehabilitation is always individualised and based on the advice of an orthopedics specialist.

When is knee surgery justified?

Knee surgery becomes necessary if the patellar dislocation is recurrent, if there is a torn ligament, cartilage herniation or significant instability. After repeated dislocations, conservative treatments often no longer provide a permanent solution.

The aim of the operation is to correct the position and movement of the patella and restore stability. Dr. Peter Doszkocs uses the most modern procedures, minimally invasive techniques and a careful rehabilitation plan to allow the patient to return to daily mobility as soon as possible.

Patella stabilisation by surgery – how does it help?

The aim of stabilising the patella is to keep it in the correct position during movement and prevent further dislocations. During the operation, our specialists will reinforce or reconstruct the affected ligaments – such as MPFL reconstruction – and, if necessary, add a bony correction to ensure optimal patella alignment.

This surgery is recommended primarily for recurrent knee sprains and is designed to reduce long-term symptoms of instability, supporting a safe return to an active life.

If the patella dislocates regularly, it is worth considering surgery as soon as possible. Repeated dislocations increase the risk of cartilage surface damage, which in the long term can lead to cartilage wear and permanent pain. Stabilisation surgery can therefore not only help to treat instability but can also play an important role in protecting the cartilage.

It is important to know that the degree of knee pain often depends not only on the instability, but also on the condition of the cartilage. If there is already a herniated disc, stabilisation surgery alone may not always eliminate the pain completely. After the intervention, an individualised rehabilitation programme will assist recovery, contributing significantly to functional improvement and quality of life.

Cartilage building treatments to preserve knee function

Patellar dislocations often result in cartilage surface damage, which can lead to long-term joint degeneration. To prevent this, various cartilage-building treatments are used to support cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Such treatments may include:

• hyaluronic acid injections,
• PRP ( proprietary blood therapy),
• collagen or other regenerative procedures.

The choice of the right therapy always depends on the extent of the injury, the condition of the cartilage and the needs of the patient. These treatments can often be used as an adjunct to surgery or, in milder cases, can be used effectively on their own.

The stages of recovery from injury to full load

Recovery from a patellar dislocation involves several steps. The stages build on each other, each serving a different purpose:

1. Acute phase (0-2 weeks): pain relief , anti-inflammatory treatment, joint immobilisation.
2. Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks): gradual movement recovery, muscle activation with physiotherapy.
3. Functional phase (6-12 weeks): increasing range of motion, strengthening muscles, improving stability.
4. Full exercise (from month 3): gradual return to sporting activity with controlled exercise.

Progress is at an individual pace, but skilful management is key to a safe and lasting recovery.

The role of physiotherapy in stabilising the patella

Physiotherapy is one of the most important means of stabilising the patella, whether surgical treatment has been performed or conservative treatment is being used. The aim of a properly structured movement therapy is to:

• strengthen the muscles surrounding the patella, especially the hamstring muscles,
• restore the knee’s range of motion,
• improve coordination and joint sensation (proprioception).

Regular, professionally guided physiotherapy reduces the chance of recurrent dislocation and ensures long-term stability and pain-free knee function.

What should we look out for in the future to prevent patellar dislocations?

Targeted muscle strengthening and maintaining knee stability are important to prevent recurrence of patellar dislocation. The most important things to do are:

• regular physiotherapy or sport-specific strengthening,
• maintaining the balance of the thigh and hip muscles,
• learning correct movement techniques when playing sport,
• wear appropriate footwear, especially on unstable ground.

Regular check-ups are also recommended after surgery or serious injury. The key to prevention is conscious movement and relieving the knee joint in everyday life.

Book an appointment now – Getting back to pain-free movement

Don’t let patellar dislocations limit your daily life or sports activities! Starting the right treatment early can significantly shorten the recovery time and prevent further complications.

Dr. Peter Doszkocs and the team at the Budapest Private Orthopedic Clinic are committed to helping you make a full recovery – with state-of-the-art solutions, experience and care.