Dislocated Knee – The Complete Injury Guide

What is a Dislocated Knee?

Knees are the largest joints in the body, comprised of menisci, bursae, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones. A knee dislocation happens when the bones (the fibula and tibia) are out of place. A partial dislocation, or a subluxation, may also occur. In some cases, the kneecap is partially dislocated and its ligaments are also disrupted.

A dislocated knee joint is described using either anatomical or positional classification systems. Anatomical classifications define the injury by its neural, arterial, and ligamentous involvements. The positional classification system, on the other hand, explains the position of the femur relative to the tibia.

Types of Knee Dislocations

There are five major types of positional dislocations:

• Anterior

  This type of dislocated knee injury is caused by severe knee hyperextension. One study reveals that 30 degrees of hyperextension is required for a dislocation to occur.

• Posterior

  Over half of all knee dislocations are posterior, which involves anterior-to-posterior force to the proximal tibia, such as a hard fall on a flexed knee.

• Lateral, Medial, and Rotatory

  This kind of dislocation requires rotatory, valgus, or varus components of applied force.

Dislocated Knee Causes

Understanding how to treat a dislocated knee begins by identifying the underlying cause of the injury. Typically, a dislocated knee results from:

• Sports injuries: It is possible to seriously dislocate your knee if you hit the ground hard while your knee is bent, if you bump into another player with great force, or if you overextend your knee.
• Car crashes: If you crash your knee against a hard surface during a vehicle accident, the force of the blow is strong enough to dislocate the knee.
• Hard falls: This may happen to anyone who loses control and falls hard onto an overextended or bent knee.

Dislocated Knee Symptoms

Knowing how to tell if knee is dislocated is crucial to obtaining timely treatment. The most common symptoms of a dislocated knee include: 

• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Numbness
• Pain when moving
• Popping sound
• Obvious deformity

Very serious signs include: 

• Loss of movement
• No feeling below the knee
• Loss of a pulse below the knee 

If you suspect a dislocated knee injury, seek medical care right away.

Dislocated Knee Diagnosis

Your primary health care provider will diagnose a dislocated knee using the following methods:

Medical History and Physical Examination

After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will carefully examine your knee and ask how you injured it. A dislocated knee may cause damage to blood vessels or nerves, which may change the temperature and color of your skin.

X-Rays

To confirm a dislocated knee, X-rays will be conducted. An X-ray produces clear dislocated knee pictures to identify breaks in the bone.

Arteriogram

An arteriogram may be required to determine whether there is damage to the artery. Special ultrasound or Doppler machines may also be used to evaluate the blood flow in the arteries.

MRI Scan

Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to see what is going on inside your knee. This imaging test produces detailed pictures of dislocated knees and shows damage to ligaments and other soft tissues.

Dislocated Knee Treatment

The best treatment for dislocated knees depends on the severity of the injury. In many cases, a dislocated knee pops back into place on its own, but it is always smart to get a professional opinion. Below are safe and effective treatment options.

Cold Therapy

Since knee dislocation is a serious injury, learning how to fix a dislocated knee at home is necessary. Directly following the injury, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and inflammation. If the symptoms do not subside quickly, visit your doctor for a professional assessment.

Reduction

If your kneecap has been moved completely outside its groove, a specialist will try to return it to its normal position by pressing and moving your leg in different ways. This is known as a reduction. You will be given a medication to ensure you are relaxed and free from pain during the procedure.

Dislocated Knee Surgery

Surgery for dislocated knees may be recommended as a last resort. Surgery is only necessary if there is a fracture or another associated injury. The goal of the procedure is to correct the dislocation and treat other damage from your injury, which may include torn ligaments, damaged blood vessels, broken bones, and damaged nerves. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before undergoing surgery.

Compression

Intense pain after the injury or surgical repair can be alleviated with compression. Compression knee sleeves are affordable and easy to wear. They target the muscles in and around the knee, applying consistent pressure to promote healing and keep the joint aligned.

Compression encourages healing by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. (See Product )

Bracing

Regardless of whether you undergo surgery, your doctor may recommend knee braces for a dislocated knee as you heal. Braces support and stabilize the knee to prevent further damage. Below are two common types of knee braces.

• Universal Knee Brace

  Universal knee braces offer much-needed protection and support for everyday needs. They are made with breathable neoprene, which makes them perfect for exercise. The wraparound design adjusts to each individual, so you can adjust the compression and support to your needs.

  Universal knee braces provide adjustable support and compression to protect your knee while it heals. (See Product )

• Hinged Knee Brace

  A hinged dislocated knee brace provides maximum support and protection. Look for one with an open-patella design, which stabilizes the knee and prevents the brace from slipping. For those recovering from a surgery, a hinged knee brace is a necessity.

  Hinged knee braces provide the greatest level of support and stabilization for a dislocated knee. (See Product )

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Physical therapy for dislocated knee helps you reintroduce movements as you recover. Whether your exercise program is meant to reduce pain, improve mobility, regain strength, or all of the above, it’s essential to start slowly and pay attention to your body when performing the following exercises for dislocated knees.

When rehabbing your knee after surgery or an injury, work on three areas: strengthening your knee, stretching the muscles surrounding your knee, and increasing range of motion. After performing gentle exercises and stretches, many patients reported that their dislocated knee popped back into place. Be sure to speak to your doctor or a physical therapist before starting any new dislocated knee exercises.

• Resisted Knee Extension

  • Step 1: Start in a seated position with your knees bent.

  • Step 2: Put a stretch strap around the ankle of your affected leg, and connect the other end of the strap to the chair.

  • Step 3: Slowly straighten the injured knee against the resistance of the strap. Control the movement as you gently lower your leg.

  • Step 4: Perform 8 to 12 repetitions.

• Wall Slides

  • Step 1: Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat against the wall.

  • Step 2: Slowly slide your foot down the wall. Bend your injured knee as far as you are comfortable.

  • Step 3: Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds, then use your other foot to push the affected leg back up to the starting position.

  • Step 4: Perform 10 repetitions.

• Quarter Squat

  • Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

  • Step 2: Keeping your back straight, slowly bend your knees until they barely cover your toes when you look down. You can hold on to a chair for stability.

  • Step 3: Hold the squat for at least 2 seconds and then return to a standing position.

  • Step 4: Repeat 10 to 12 times.

• Prone Leg Hang

  • Step 1: Lie on your stomach, and place a pillow or a rolled towel under your injured knee. You can also hang your knee off the end of a bed.

  • Step 2: Relax and allow your affected leg to hang freely.

  • Step 3: Hold the position for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Straight Leg Raises

  Step 1: Lie on the floor with your healthy knee bent.

  Step 2: Straighten your injured knee and tighten your quadriceps.

  Step 3: Slowly raise the leg as high as you are comfortable.

  Step 4: Hold the position for about 2 seconds, then slowly lower your leg to the floor.

  Step 5: Perform 8 to 12 repetitions.