You might have heard about sportspersons or other active individuals complaining about their knee(s) getting dislocated. Wondering what a ‘dislocated knee’ means and how it happens?
What is a Dislocated Knee?
Your knee is a complex joint where three bones meet:
- femur (thighbone)
- patella (kneecap) in the middle
- tibia (shinbone)
Different types of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons in your knee help it work properly. You get a dislocated knee when there is a disruption in the thighbone position relative to the shinbone at the knee joint. Causes include leg injury from sports, falls, or vehicle accidents.
A dislocated knee is not the same as a dislocated kneecap. The latter happens when the kneecap (patella) slides out of its place. It is generally caused by twisting of the knee, the knee getting rotated, or misstepping.
A dislocated knee does not occur frequently. However, it is a serious injury, the reason being it can damage many vital ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. The entire leg, including the knee joint, may be affected.
Here, we are going to delve into the symptoms of a dislocated knee and how it is treated.
What Are Some Common Dislocated Knee Symptoms?
Symptoms show up immediately when you get a dislocated knee and aggravate over time. At times, the knee may slide back into its normal place on its own. However, you will still experience pain in the knee. It may also be swollen and feel unstable.
Here are the common symptoms of a dislocated knee:
- You hear a popping sound when you get injured
- There is severe pain in your knee
- You can notice deformity at the knee joint
- Knee feels unstable, as it seems to lack weight-bearing capacity
- Knee lacks flexibility in movement
- Inflammation and swelling in the knee
- Inability to continue playing sports
- Even normal daily tasks seem difficult
What are Dislocated Knee Treatment Options?
Firstly, you need to ensure that your kneecap is in the right position. If not, it has to be moved back into its place, and the process is called reduction.
How is reduction done? Your doctor will sedate you or give you some medicine so that you do not experience any pain. Then, they will move your leg in a specialised way to push the kneecap to its correct position.
Following this, the doctor will place your leg in a brace so that it remains stable enough and does not move.
To repair damaged ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves, surgery may be needed. Damaged blood vessels require immediate surgery.
However, conservative treatment, which involves immobilizing the injured joint, can be useful when:
- The joint seems to be stable after the reduction treatment
- No nerve or blood vessel has been injured
- The collateral ligaments of the knee (MCL and LCL) are alright
While this treatment can help make the knee stable, there may be stiffness and other issues with the joint in the future.
Irrespective of the treatment you take for your dislocated knee, you will require proper rehabilitation afterwards. For example, you may be advised physical therapy. Talking specifically, your rehab depends on the severity of your injury and the treatment you received. Your doctor will help you find out the right rehab program according to your needs.
What is Dislocated Knee Outlook Like?
Several factors decide the outlook for knee dislocation patients:
- How the knee got dislocated
- The severity of the injury
- If blood vessels or nerves also suffered any damage
- The treatment done
- If the patient adhered to their rehabilitation plan
It is crucial that the patient recognises their dislocated knee quickly and gets treatment for it. Not only may blood vessels and nerves be injured, but other complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and compartment syndrome, may also occur.
If there is any damage to blood vessels, it must be treated fast, lest there should be knee dislocation complications, some of which are very serious – like amputation above the knee.
If nerves suffer any injury, you may not be able to lead a fully active lifestyle, even after treatment.
A dislocated knee may need rehabilitation for 9-12 months. Sometimes, even after their treatment and rehab, patients experience some pain, stiffness, or dysfunction in the affected knee.
Conclusion
A dislocated knee may occur as a result of injuries sustained during sports, falls, or motor accidents. It is a serious medical issue that requires prompt medical intervention, as it can also cause further complications, like damage to nerves and blood vessels. Quick diagnosis and treatment can improve your recovery prospects.
