WHAT IS KNEECAP (PATELLA ) DISLOCATION ?
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A dislocated kneecap occurs when the patella (kneecap) that sits over the front of the knee comes out of its groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur) , coming to rest on the outside of the knee joint. This can cause stretching or tearing to the supporting ligaments and tendons. Normally, the kneecap glides smoothly over a groove in the joint when you bend or straighten your leg but if the kneecap is dislocated you may be unable to bend or straighten your leg. A dislocated kneecap is a common injury that can take around 6 weeks to heal. If you have dislocated you kneecap once it is far more likely to dislocate in the future. Kneecap dislocation is not the same as knee dislocation.