A Brief Overview of Lateral Patellar Dislocation

This kneecap dislocation is more dangerous than you think! Lateral Patellar Dislocation (LPD) is a common knee injury where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position toward the outside (lateral side) of the knee joint.

What is happening?

Normally, the patella sits in a groove at the end of your thigh bone (femur) and moves up and down when you bend your knee. In a lateral dislocation, the patella is pushed out of that groove to the outer side.

Why is it happening?

More general causes include:

• Direct impact to the knee (collision with something hard)

• Weak or imbalanced tendons or ligaments (or both)

• Structural factors (like a shallow groove in the femur)

• A sudden twist or change in direction (sports like soccer, basketball)

"People with congenital patellar dislocation (trochlear dysplasia) are born with the condition," says Cleveland Clinic

Am I at risk?

Although this can happen to anyone, the more general audience of this dislocation are:

• Athletes

• Dancers

• Teenagers

• Women

• Big and tall men

• Possible genetic conditions

How do I know if I have this?

Cleveland Clinic states the following symptoms:

• Buckling of your knee

• Intense knee pain

• Effusion

• Bruising at your knee

• Locking of your knee

• Inability to walk

• The kneecap is visually out of place

• An audible pop

What should I do?

Generally, kneecaps are known for popping back, but if that doesn't happen to you, try to find someone who can help you get it back in place. Next, go tell a doctor! This is not something that can be ignored. This dislocation can cause intense damage to your cartilage or even cause fractures.

References:

• "Dislocated Kneecap (Patella Dislocation)." Cleveland Clinic - Patellar Dislocation, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21633-patellar-dislocations. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

• "What's Going on with My Kneecap?" Mayo Clinic - What's Going on with My Kneecap?, 26 june 2023, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/whats-going-on-with-my-kneecap.

• Dislocation of Patella. tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.aN64MGTHe-nk9RfE4XIsGQHaFj?o=7rm=3&rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3.

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