Patellar Stabilization

Patellar stabilization prevents the kneecap from dislocating or shifting out of place. Orthopedic surgeon Kyle Borque, MD, of Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, in Sugar Land, Texas, provides the right treatment for you, depending on your age, health, and movement goals. Call today to schedule an appointment to learn more about what’s involved with patellar stabilization, or use this website to arrange a consultation online.

What is patellar instability?

A stable patella, or knee cap, allows your knee joint to function properly and keeps it pain-free. The patella is supposed to glide back and forth in a groove in the thigh bone or femur. 

When the knee twists suddenly, the patella can come out of the groove, frequently causing pain and swelling. Factors such as your age and activity level combined with how your anatomy (how your knee is made) determine your risk of the patella dislocating again.   

How do I know if I need patellar stabilization? 

Patellar stabilization may be needed if you have a traumatic dislocation resulting from an injury to the knee. Patellar stabilization is also necessary in cases of chronic patellar instability in which the kneecap slides only partly out of the groove. Allowing the patella to continue to dislocate without treatment puts the knee at risk for cartilage damage and, eventually arthritis. 

To confirm a diagnosis, Dr. Borque will gently examine your knee as well as order diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This will allow him to determine the best-personalized treatment for you- since every injury is different! 

What is nonsurgical patellar stabilization? 

Dr. Borque may recommend you wear a brace, modify activity levels, and use anti-inflammatory medication to ease pain and swelling. You may also benefit from physical therapy focusing on strengthening your core and leg muscles to maintain mobility and fitness as you heal.  

What is involved in surgical patellar stabilization? 

In some cases where patellar instability endangers the structure and long-term health of the knee, Dr. Borque may recommend surgery. Based on your age, activity level, and anatomy, Dr. Borque will discuss multiple options for restoring stability to your patella. Importantly one size does not fit all when it comes to patella stabilization, and it is crucial that the plan is designed specifically for your knee!  

Surgery usually involves one of several methods:

Reconstruction with graft

Dr. Borque rebuilds the damaged ligament in the knee that is causing the knee cap to shift. This is the most common procedure.Realignment of the patella or knee

If Dr. Borque determines that your bones are built in a way that cause the patella to continue going out of place, he may recommend a realignment procedure to address this in combination with rebuilding the ligament. This can involve moving the tibial tubercle, a piece of the shin bone, angling or rotating the femur, the thigh bone, or creating a deeper groove for the patella to sit. This bigger, more powerful surgery is reserved for high-risk patients.

To learn more about patellar instability and the necessary treatments, contact Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine today. Call the office or use this website to schedule an appointment online.