What is Patella instability?

The kneecap (patella) is in the V-shaped groove at the bottom of the thigh bone. The knee joint is stabilised and supported by ligaments, which are thick bands of rubbery tissue connecting bones at the knee joint. The main ligament that stabilises the knee is the medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL). If this is torn, it can mean the kneecap is more likely to dislocate in the future which is very painful and can also damage the surrounding tissues, leading to cartilage injuries.

Key Procedures

Key Specialists

  • Professor Adrian Wilson

Causes

  • Loose ligaments: Having an internally twisted or rotated thigh bone and/or loose ligaments surrounding the knee (this is more common in adolescent girls)
  • Sports: Taking part in sports that involve twisting the knee such as skiing, football, netball, hockey, tennis or rugby
  • Knee injuries: Knee injuries: during an injury to the knee, the MPFL can rupture (tear) and cause the kneecap to dislocate. If this happens, you’re more at risk of having further dislocations in the future

Symptoms

Treatments