Understanding Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation, it’s completely natural to feel uncertain about what this means for your knee and your future activity. The good news is that with modern orthopedic care — especially with surgical options such as Open MPFL Reconstruction +/- Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle — most patients can expect a full and lasting recovery.

This article will help you understand what’s happening in your knee, how the diagnosis is made, and the treatment paths available, both non-surgical and surgical. Let’s walk through it together step-by-step.

What Is a Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation?

Your patella, or kneecap, normally sits in a groove at the end of your thigh bone (the femur) and slides smoothly as you bend or straighten your knee. In a Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation, the kneecap slips out of its normal track — usually to the outer (lateral) side of the knee.

This can happen suddenly after a sports injury, awkward twist, or even from a direct blow to the knee. Sometimes, it can also occur because of an underlying alignment issue or ligament laxity that makes the kneecap more prone to slipping out of place.

Understanding this condition early is important because repeated dislocations can damage the cartilage behind the patella, increase instability, and lead to long-term knee problems like arthritis if not properly treated.

Symptoms of Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation

Most people remember exactly when the injury happened. Common symptoms include:

• A sudden “pop” or shift at the front of the knee.
  
• Visible deformity, where the kneecap appears out of place (usually pushed outward).
  
• Severe pain and swelling immediately after the injury.
  
• Difficulty straightening or bending the knee.
  
• A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way,” especially during walking or sports.

After the initial episode, the knee might continue to feel unstable or weak, and you may worry that it could “slip out again.” These are warning signs that should prompt a detailed orthopedic evaluation.

How Is Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually starts with a thorough clinical examination by an orthopedic specialist. Your doctor will look at knee alignment, ligament stability, and any signs of swelling or tenderness.

To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the injury, imaging tests are often used:

• X-rays to check the position of the kneecap and rule out bone fractures.
  
• MRI scans to assess soft tissue damage — especially the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which is often torn during a dislocation.
  
• CT scans in some cases to evaluate bone alignment and determine if there are anatomical factors (like a high-riding kneecap or increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance) contributing to the problem.

This detailed evaluation helps your orthopedic surgeon decide whether conservative treatment or surgery is the best option for long-term stability.

Treatment Options for Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation

Non-Surgical Management

The first episode of a kneecap dislocation is sometimes managed without surgery, especially if imaging shows no major bone injury or loose fragments.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and swelling.
  
• Bracing or taping to support the kneecap and prevent further dislocation.
  
• Physical therapy focusing on strengthening the quadriceps, particularly the inner thigh muscles (vastus medialis obliquus), which help guide the kneecap correctly during movement..

However, if the patella continues to dislocate, or if there’s clear damage to the stabilizing ligaments, surgical reconstruction becomes the most effective long-term solution.

Surgical Treatment: Open MPFL Reconstruction +/- Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle

When the MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) is torn or stretched, the kneecap loses its main stabilizer on the inner side. That’s where Open MPFL Reconstruction comes in.

What Is Open MPFL Reconstruction?

This procedure involves rebuilding the damaged MPFL using a small tendon graft (usually taken from your hamstring). The graft is attached to the inner edge of the kneecap and the femur to restore the natural tension that keeps the patella centered in its groove during knee movement.

The term “open” means the surgeon performs it through a small, carefully placed incision rather than arthroscopically. This allows precise visualization and accurate positioning of the new ligament — especially important for long-term stability and preventing recurrent dislocation.

When Is Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle Added?

Sometimes, instability isn’t only due to a torn ligament but also due to malalignment of the knee cap’s tracking path.

In such cases, the surgeon may perform an additional procedure called Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle (AMZ).

This involves repositioning the attachment point of the patellar tendon slightly forward and inward on the shinbone (tibia). By changing this angle, the kneecap is guided more securely into its groove, reducing pressure on the outer cartilage and improving joint alignment.

Combining MPFL Reconstruction with Anteromedialization provides a highly stable and biomechanically balanced knee, especially for patients with recurrent dislocations or anatomical abnormalities.

Benefits and Success Rates of Open MPFL Reconstruction +/- Anteromedialization

This surgical approach has shown excellent results in restoring stability and allowing patients to return to their normal activities — including sports.

Key benefits include:

• High success rate — Over 90% of patients report no further dislocations after surgery.
  
• Improved confidence and stability during daily activities.
  
• Better patellar tracking and reduced long-term cartilage damage.
  
• Low complication rates when performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

Patients often describe feeling that their knee is “back to normal” within a few months, with the ability to walk, climb stairs, and exercise comfortably.

Living Confidently After Treatment

A Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation can be a distressing injury, but modern surgical techniques like Open MPFL Reconstruction +/- Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle offer predictable, lasting results.

By restoring the knee’s natural balance and strength, this procedure allows you to move confidently again — without the fear of another dislocation.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

If you’ve experienced a kneecap dislocation or have ongoing instability, don’t wait for it to happen again. Consulting an orthopedic specialist is the best way to understand your options and prevent future damage.

At The Joint Preservation Center, we specialize in advanced Lateral Patellofemoral Dislocation treatment, offering personalized surgical and rehabilitation plans to help you get back to your active life safely and confidently.