Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Recurrent Dislocation of Knee

Definition:
Repeated displacement of the knee; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the bones entering into the formation of a joint.
Symptoms:
  • Knee instability
  • Knee appears to be deformed
  • Kneecap (patella) dislocates to the outside of the knee
  • Knee pain and tenderness
  • Knee swelling
Causes:
  • Knee instability
  • ACL, PCL, MCL, and/or LCL tear
  • Sudden change in direction when your leg is planted
  • Direct blow to knee
Treatment:
  • Possible surgical intervention
  • Period of immobilization
  • Progress to ROM and stretching exercises
  • Core stabilization exercises
  • Lower extremity strengthening exercises