What is patellar lateralization?
Constitutionally, it can appear, that due to lacking muscular guidance or as a consequence of former kneecap injuries, the kneecap drifts outwardly from its slide bearing. This is called patellar lateralization (outward drifting of the kneecap) or patellar subluxation.
How do you fix patellar subluxation?
Nonsurgical treatment includes:
- RICE (rest, icing, compression, and elevation)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- physical therapy.
- crutches or a cane to take weight off the knee.
- braces or casts to immobilize the knee.
- specialized footwear to decrease pressure on the kneecap.
What causes patellar subluxation?
What Causes Patellar Subluxation? The most common cause is weakness and/or tightness of certain muscles in the hip and thigh, which can make the knee move differently than it should. A direct blow to the front or side of the knee that pushes the kneecap out of its groove.
What is lateral patellar tracking?
Patellar tracking disorder is an orthopedic condition where the kneecap moves out of place when the leg straightens or bends. In most cases of patellar tracking disorder, the kneecap moves to the outside of the leg, but there are cases where the kneecap moves toward the inside of the leg.
How is patellar tracking disorder diagnosed?
Unless the patella is severely dislocated, there may be little visual evidence of the problem. To determine if you have a patellar tracking disorder your doctor will do a physical examination, flexing and putting the knee in various positions. They may observe you walk, squat, rise from a seated position, and sit down.
Can you run with patellar subluxation?
You should be able to jog in a straight line without limping. You should be able to sprint without limping. You should be able to perform 45-degree and 90-degree cuts without difficulty. You should be able to jump on both legs without pain.
Can patellar tracking disorder get worse?
You may also have some swelling and a burning feeling in the kneecap. Kneeling down or getting up from a squat can be especially painful. The pain may at first be sporadic, occurring only after sports or exercise activity. As the tendon becomes more damaged, the pain can become progressively worse.
Are subluxations painful?
Ouch! A subluxation is basically defined as “a partial dislocation”. It can be no less painful than a full dislocation, but the two bones that form the joint are still partially in contact with each other.