Recurrent kneecap dislocations, also known as patellar instability (PI), occur when the kneecap repeatedly slides out of the groove in the front of the knee. This condition is a common and disabling knee condition that more frequently affects adolescents. — Learn more about patellar instability (PI) here — Research studies have shown that recovery from…
The SHYFT Research Study: SHould You transFer the Tubercle? Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a successful operation used to stabilize the kneecap in patients with patellar instability. MPFL reconstruction uses one of your tendons to reconstruct the injured ligament that attaches to your kneecap. Traditional treatment of patellar instability has often included moving the…
The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a ligament that connects the inner edge of the kneecap (patella) to the thigh bone (femur). Its main function is to stabilize the kneecap and prevent it from dislocating to the outside of your knee. How can injuries to the MPFL occur? Injury to the MPFL can occur if the…
Patellar instability is a condition characterized by the abnormal movement or dislocation of the patella (kneecap) from its normal position. It accounts for about 3% of all knee injuries. The patella is attached to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) by the quadriceps and patellar tendons. It sits in a groove at the…
In this presentation, Dr. Laurie Hiemstra, Banff Sport Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Sarah Kerslake MSc BPhty, discuss the main types of surgery used to treat patients with patellar instability (aka a dislocating / unstable kneecap), as well as physiotherapy and bracing considerations.
Patellar instability – an unstable or dislocating kneecap – is a debilitating condition that frequently occurs in young, active people, that significantly affects their quality of life.
Knee injuries are common in youth athletes with up to 1 in 4 athletes at risk of sustaining this type of injury. Approximately one-third of patients seen in the Banff Sport Medicine Clinic are youth. For example, the Clinic assesses approximately 1500 acute knee injuries in patients aged 5 to 24 each year.
