An unstable kneecap can cause sudden, alarming, and painful symptoms, especially when the kneecap slips out of place during movement. Whether you’ve experienced a first-time patellar dislocation, ongoing episodes, or the sensation that your kneecap moves more than it should, understanding patellar instability is the first step toward long-term relief.
If knee pain or instability is affecting your daily life, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, offers expert diagnosis and treatment to help restore stability and comfort. Contact our practice today to receive personalized care.
“Dr. Szerlip was very personable, knowledgeable, and took time for all my questions. He gave great explanations of my problem and potential solutions. I have full confidence in his recommendations for treatment and therapy.” — Pam G.
An unstable kneecap (also known as patellar instability) happens when the patella does not stay securely within the femoral groove (or trochlear groove) during movement. This instability can cause partial shifting, known as patellar subluxation, or a complete dislocation where the kneecap fully dislocates from its proper position. The condition affects how the knee joint functions and can make normal activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising painful or unpredictable.
Patellofemoral instability becomes particularly concerning when these episodes recur, resulting in chronic patellar instability. Over time, instability increases the risk of cartilage wear, mobility limitations, and additional injuries.
Symptoms can vary depending on whether you’re dealing with a first-time dislocation, recurring instability, or a structural problem within the knee. The most common symptoms include:
If you experience pain after a twisting injury, fall, or sports activity, especially if your kneecap has shifted out of place, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a qualified specialist like Dr. Szerlip to prevent further damage and ensure proper treatment..
Patellar instability can develop from a combination of structural, genetic, and external factors. Common causes and risk factors include:
A thorough evaluation by a specialist is crucial for diagnosing patellar instability. Dr. Szerlip uses a combination of:
Early diagnosis allows for targeted treatment to prevent worsening instability and long-term knee damage.
Treatment depends on whether you experienced a complete dislocation, patellar subluxation, or chronic instability. A personalized treatment plan often includes:
These methods are often the first step, especially after a first-time patellar dislocation:
Therapy plays a crucial role by helping:
For patients with chronic patellar instability, significant ligament injury, or recurring dislocation, MPFL reconstruction may be recommended. This surgical procedure rebuilds the torn ligament to maintain the kneecap’s position within the femoral groove during movement.
If anatomical issues such as a misaligned tibial tubercle contribute to instability, a realignment procedure called tibial tubercle osteotomy may be necessary to ensure proper patellar tracking. Trochleoplasty may be recommended to deepen the trochlear groove in patients with naturally shallow grooves.
While not all causes can be prevented, several strategies reduce the risk of instability:
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and whether surgical treatment is required. Most patients experience improvement with a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and gradual return to activity. After surgery, patients typically undergo a structured physical therapy program to regain strength, mobility, and stability.
Long-term outcomes are excellent when the underlying causes of instability are properly addressed.
If you’re dealing with knee pain, recurring instability, or a recent dislocation, expert evaluation can make all the difference. Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, offers advanced treatment options, including nonsurgical treatments and MPFL reconstruction, to help you regain knee stability and confidence.
Contact the practice today to schedule an appointment and start your personalized recovery plan.
Common signs include the sensation that your kneecap is slipping, pain during movement, swelling, or episodes where the kneecap partially or completely dislocates.
For many patients, especially after a first-time injury, physical therapy and bracing are effective. Surgery is typically considered for chronic or severe cases.
Untreated instability can lead to recurring dislocations, cartilage damage, worsening pain, and long-term knee dysfunction.
Most patients return to normal activity within 4–6 months, although the rehabilitation process may take longer.
A knee brace can help support the kneecap and reduce the risk of further instability, especially during sports or strenuous activities.
