Knee dislocation: symptoms and treatment of knee and patella dislocation

A dislocation of the knee joint is a displacement of the joint surface of one bone relative to the second while maintaining its integrity. Such damage leads to complete or partial loss of knee mobility and functionality. Dislocations can be the result of a car accident or after a fall from a height; professional athletes are susceptible to them. In complex trauma, damage occurs to the nerves, ligaments, or joint capsule.

Causes and signs of the disorder

A knee joint injury occurs when the cup slips from its normal location. The causes of the violation include powerful blows to the knee area, a fall on straight legs from a height, accidents on the roads, a sport that involves great physical exertion. Dislocations are divided into:

Full. Displacement of the joint back and forth after a blow to the knee.
Incomplete. Offset outward or inward.
Closed or open.
Dislocations are habitual or with a complication, in which there is also a violation of the integrity of the muscles.

Symptoms vary in intensity. The injured person may experience:

severe pain when wanting to move;
swelling, redness;
decreased sensitivity;
numbness and pulsation below the site of the lesion;
loss of the knee's usual appearance.

Sometimes subluxation of the patella occurs.
Sometimes the knee joint itself returns to the correct position, but the area will hurt and swell for a long time. When people talk about a knee dislocation, they probably mean an injury to the kneecap. There is lateral and torsional displacement. There is a lateral subluxation of the patella. When such damage occurs, a failure is felt at the site of flexion and extension.

Rehabilitation and recommendations

Rehabilitation after treatment of a knee joint injury is aimed at returning the full function of the joint and includes:

Massage.
Physiotherapy.
Exercise therapy.
Correct diet.
A course of vitamin complexes.
Wearing bandages and orthoses.

At the rehabilitation stage of knee treatment, massage is often used, a detailed technique of which can be seen in the video:

Exercise therapy can be effective in the treatment of habitual dislocation. A specially prescribed set of exercises, when performed regularly, allows you to restore mobility to the joint and muscles. Walking is also recommended to develop and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Before walking for the first time, an elastic bandage is applied to the knee.

The patient is fully recovered 3-4 months after treatment and rehabilitation.

The prognosis for treating a dislocated knee is favorable if you follow the following recommendations:

It is necessary to exclude heavy physical activity, extreme sports, jumping from heights, etc.
Before physical activity, wear an elastic bandage or a knee brace to fix the knee joint.
If swelling occurs at the end of the day, the knee can be lightly massaged using ointments that relieve swelling.
It is advisable to avoid standing for long periods of time.

With timely and competent treatment, subsequent rehabilitation and compliance with all recommendations, a dislocation of the knee joint will pass without consequences and chronic pain, the knee will perform its previous functions.

Orthopedic traumatologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences Yuri Konstantinovich Glazkov explains how treatment occurs when a knee joint is damaged:

Can I adjust it myself?

If you suspect a dislocation, you should immediately apply a splint to fix it on the leg and avoid damage. Everything must be done very carefully to avoid additional injury. Next, it is recommended to apply an ice compress. If the kneecap is injured, the patient is also given an anti-inflammatory medicine.

But it is still recommended to carry out treatment under the supervision of a traumatologist.

Patients who frequently dislocate their knees may be able to straighten them themselves, but this may lead to complications, since dislocated knees are considered a serious injury. If treated incorrectly or ineptly, arthrosis is often the consequence. Therefore, only a doctor should perform the reduction; it may be necessary to perform a puncture first, thereby removing excess fluid. The specialist carries out these actions using general or local anesthesia. Therefore, it is better not to carry out serious treatment at home yourself.

How to set a person's knee joint?

If the injury has already occurred, then you can help the patient and perform the reduction yourself. The foot is slowly pulled along the longitudinal axis of the leg and pressure is applied to the lower leg in the direction opposite to the displacement. This procedure must be done with great care so as not to cause harm. The patient is given a painkiller and taken to the doctors. But you can only safely set your kneecap in a hospital under local anesthesia. For an accurate diagnosis, the injured person undergoes an examination, including x-rays, ultrasound, and a consultation with a neurologist. Based on this, the traumatologist will prescribe treatment, but first of all, he will straighten the joint.

Is it possible to straighten the knee on your own and what are the dangers?

It is unacceptable to treat a dislocated knee joint on your own. The right way is to seek medical help as soon as possible. You can relieve pain and reduce swelling by applying ice to the injury. The damaged leg should be examined by a doctor, and if necessary, the joint should be set back into place. There are cases in which self-reduction of an injured patella is acceptable. The victim may experience sharp pain in the area of injury, which will accompany buckling of the knee. In the case of self-recovery, barely noticeable swelling is observed at the site of the patella in the victim. This may indicate a process of blood accumulation in the knee joint.

How and why knee dislocation occurs

A dislocation of the knee joint occurs when the joint is injured, when the articular surfaces are displaced, the integrity of the ligaments, muscle tissue and joint capsule is disrupted. Dislocation is accompanied by complete or partial loss of joint function, which depends on its type.

Dislocation occurs:

Complete, when the knee joint moves forward or backward due to a blow, bruise or other injuries, and the contact between the articular surfaces of the bones disappears.
Incomplete when the joint moves inward or outward, leaving partial contact between the bone surfaces.
Closed and open, with preservation or violation of the integrity of the skin and joint capsule.
Complicated – with muscle rupture, bone fracture, knee meniscus tear.
It is common when a dislocation occurs repeatedly due to sprain of the joint ligaments.

Trauma on x-ray.

Depending on the reasons, the dislocation may be:

Traumatic, when an external injury is applied - blows to the knee area, sports injuries, as well as a strong and sudden contraction of the femoral muscles - in these cases the kneecap, the articulation between the thigh bone and the patella, is most often affected. In case of injury due to a fall from a height and in road accidents, a dislocation of the lower leg occurs, resulting from its rotation while the hip is fixed.
Pathological, when a dislocation of the knee joint appears due to arthrosis, arthritis, tumors and other diseases of the knee joint.
Congenital, this knee dislocation appears as an anomaly of intrauterine development.
Outdated, not timely treated primary dislocation.

Basics of treatment: how to adjust the knee?

Before starting treatment, the traumatologist must conduct a diagnosis to obtain a complete clinical picture. Using an x-ray, the doctor can obtain the necessary information about the injury and decide how to return the kneecap to its place. Reduction is carried out under general anesthesia. The leg is fully bent and extended to relax the tendons. Then the kneecap is straightened and the joints fall into place. After the manipulation, a plaster cast is applied. Usually the patient stays in it for 2-3 weeks, during which time the capsule is restored.

The procedure will increase blood circulation.

After removing the plaster, doctors prescribe massage procedures for the patient's lower leg and thigh. It is recommended to gradually develop the knee by performing simple movements. Over time, increase the amplitude of execution. Patients are prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Full cure and restoration of functionality occurs approximately 3-4 months after completion of the course of therapy.

Habitual knee dislocation

Often, habitual dislocation occurs in the patella. In this case, repeated irregular slippage of the kneecap from the bed is possible. It is accompanied by painful sensations and the development of arthrosis. This process is influenced by several factors:

flattening of the sliding tracts in the femur;
excessively high position of the patella.

In most cases, doctors diagnose an external dislocation. It occurs due to the slipping of the patella when the limb is flexed. As a rule, dislocations occur on both sides.

Moreover, women and children suffer from this pathology much more often (photo). Treatment at home is prohibited!

Subluxation and its symptoms

Knee subluxation does not occur in the joint, but is associated with the kneecap itself. The causes of patellar subluxation vary and can be roughly divided into 3 groups:

weakness of the thigh muscle tissue;
incorrect anatomical structure of the legs;
severe sprain or rupture of the ligaments that support the patella.

These factors cause an unstable position of the patella. At the same time, it can easily succumb to subluxation, for example, with sharp flexion of the lower extremities, a fall, injury, and even with minor physical activity. In addition, subluxation can develop as a result of injury to the knee joint or surgery on it.

Subluxation can manifest itself in different ways. This concerns the strength and severity of symptoms. For example, the patient may have a persistent feeling of patellar instability. However, the main symptoms will be as follows:

severe pain that occurs when performing movements (when bending and straightening the limbs at the knee);
unpleasant painful clicks and crunching in the kneecap (they are caused by failures in adequate gliding of the articular surfaces).

If the patient tries to fully straighten the leg at the knee joint or make other movements, he will feel an unusual feeling of failure. If subluxation is not treated, arthrosis and synovitis (fluid accumulation) develop over time.

Treatment of dislocation

Only a doctor can correct a dislocation. At home, any such attempts can be fraught with fracture of the ends of the joints. Only in rare situations, if a normal dislocation of the knee joint has occurred, is the patient, already having the required experience and skills, able to treat himself at home.

Treatment of the patella will be reduced to the following measures:

kneecap alignment;
getting rid of hemorrhage into the joint cavity;
punctures and application of a cold compress to the joint;
application of a knee orthosis or plaster splint for a period of 21 days.

Repeatedly, at the very beginning of therapy, doctors practice rehabilitation measures using a small load. Once the swelling subsides, you can increase these loads for a while and slightly expand your range of motion.

If the injury is severe and involves complete rupture of the knee ligaments and tendons, then the symptoms of instability should be relieved and treatment should begin with surgical intervention. Currently, an arthroscope can be used for these purposes. This device helps perform minimally invasive operations.

You can treat habitual dislocation with:

intensive therapeutic exercises;
wearing a lateral knee splint.

In many cases, you have to do gymnastics repeatedly, but it does not have the intended effect.

In such situations, treatment comes down to stabilizing the joint through surgery. After this, the patient is given a gentle regimen for a period of 4 weeks. At this time, you should also do exercises to develop the knee joint.

Subluxation also cannot be treated at home. Only surgery is needed. After this, all treatment will be reduced to performing specially designed exercises. Their main goal is to establish the correct technique for flexion and extension of the affected knee. It is also aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus and muscular system.

In order to change the anatomical features of the structure of the legs, special orthopedic devices should be used, for example, bandages, bandages. They have a positive effect on the process of restoring normal trophism and joint performance. Only in the most exceptional cases can a subluxation be completely eliminated through surgery.

How to straighten a meniscus at home. How to treat meniscus at home

Treatment of meniscus at home with folk remedies and gymnastics

Author of the article: Alexandra Burguta, obstetrician-gynecologist, higher medical education in the specialty “General Medicine”.

When knee injuries occur, the menisci are most often affected. In severe cases, treatment consists of surgery. For minor injuries, it is possible to treat the meniscus with folk remedies and conservative methods at home, but under the mandatory supervision of the attending physician.

Acute period

In the acute period of meniscus damage, which lasts about a week, it is necessary to take measures at home to maximally immobilize the knee joint, relieve pain and relieve inflammation.

To relieve swelling and pain, apply a heating pad with ice to the sore knee for 20-30 minutes twice a day. The joint must first be wrapped in dry, thin cotton cloth.

To eliminate pain and symptoms of inflammation, it is necessary to take medications from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 1-2 times a day.

Limiting mobility in a sore joint by bandaging it with elastic bandages.

Giving the injured limb an elevated position that will be as comfortable as possible for the patient.

During the acute period, it is necessary to limit the mobility of the affected knee

Recovery period

After the acute manifestations of meniscus damage subside, you should move on to measures that will allow you to restore full mobility in the knee joint. At home, it is possible to use therapeutic exercises and traditional medicine.

Physiotherapy

Early initiation of physical exercise promotes rapid restoration of meniscus tissue, serves as a prevention of the development of intra-articular adhesions and adhesions, and muscle atrophy. Therapeutic gymnastics at home should begin with complexes that include exercises without deep knee bending and squats. Gradually the load should be increased and made more varied.

An approximate set of exercises for meniscus damage:

Sit on a high couch so that both feet do not touch the floor. Place the sore leg on the healthy one. Gradually straighten the injured knee, trying to increase the range of motion each time. Return to starting position. During the exercise, you should support the movements of the sore leg with the healthy one.
Walk for 5-7 minutes, smoothly rolling from toe to heel and trying to straighten your leg at the knee joint as much as possible.
Standing on the floor with support on your healthy leg, place the affected leg on a low chair (35-40 cm). Bend your injured knee, trying to tilt your entire body forward. Stay in this position for a few seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat 5-10 times.
Lying on your back, raise your straight legs one by one to a height of 10-15 cm, holding in this position for 3-4 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times with each leg.
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Alternately straighten your knees, sliding your heels along the floor. Repeat 10-15 times for each leg.
Lying on your stomach, raise your legs one by one and stay in this position for 3-4 seconds. Perform 10 repetitions with each leg.
Lie on your side with your legs straight so that your sore knee is on top. Raise the injured leg to a height of 30-40 cm and stay in this position for 10 seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Subluxation and its symptoms

Knee subluxation does not occur in the joint, but is associated with the kneecap itself. The causes of patellar subluxation vary and can be roughly divided into 3 groups:

weakness of the thigh muscle tissue;
incorrect anatomical structure of the legs;
severe sprain or rupture of the ligaments that support the patella.

Subluxation can manifest itself in different ways. This concerns the strength and severity of symptoms. For example, the patient may have a persistent feeling of patellar instability. However, the main symptoms will be as follows:

severe pain that occurs when performing movements (when bending and straightening the limbs at the knee);
unpleasant painful clicks and crunching in the kneecap (they are caused by failures in adequate gliding of the articular surfaces).

How to straighten the knee meniscus. Features of cartilage

The knee meniscus is cartilage that is essential for the proper functioning of the knee joint. It is located on the bone and is part of the joint structure.

The knee joint includes bones (femur and tibia), as well as the patella. The joint is secured by muscles and tendons. This system contains round elastic plates that represent connective tissue. There are also tendons between them.

The meniscus consists of a body, anterior horns and posterior horns. The menisci are also mobile: when the knee bends, they move backward, and when straightened, they move forward. In addition, they support the entire joint system. The following functions are distinguished that this cartilage performs:

stabilization of the knee joint;
depreciation;
protecting the knee from excessive mobility;
reduction of cartilage friction;
improving the slip of the composition;
assisting joint movement under varying degrees of load.

There are special receptors in the menisci. They send signals to the brain and help it determine what position the lower limb is in at a given moment. There are also two types of knee meniscus, which are divided depending on its location:

Interior. Otherwise it is called medial. Almost immobile, often subject to ruptures.
External. The scientific name is lateral. More mobile than internal, rarely injured.

The most dangerous thing is simultaneous damage to the menisci of both knee joints. Occurs rarely, in approximately 5% of cases.

Causes of damage

When a meniscus tear occurs, it is very unpleasant and painful. As practice shows, this disease occurs much less frequently in women than in men. For children under 14 years of age, such an injury is generally uncharacteristic. It is difficult to answer which of the menisci is more susceptible to the disease, since there are no statistics. But it is possible to cure a damaged meniscus, and this is currently being done very effectively.

The reasons may be completely different, but they can still be divided into groups:

Sports activities, namely dancing, ballet, weightlifting, acrobatics, high jumping. It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the process of teaching children.
Unfortunate injuries (eg, falling from a height or blow from a blunt object).
Specifics of work (loaders, miners). Sharp lifting of weights is very dangerous for the meniscus.
Age. The older the person, the greater the likelihood of damage occurring.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (congenital or acquired).

Symptoms

When the acute period of the disease passes, it is simply impossible to miss it. The inflammatory process develops very actively, the pain increases. Possible hemorrhage. This stage is characterized by almost complete immobility of the joint.

The chronic period is difficult to diagnose. In this case, tears and pinching of the meniscus occur, but it does not separate from the capsule. Swelling is very rare.

To determine whether a rupture has occurred, you need to understand what the signs are:

If the tear is mild, you will feel some pain and see a hematoma. However, within 12 hours they will disappear.
If a medial meniscus injury occurs, then you will feel pain on the inside of the knee, but if it is lateral, then in the central part of the knee. In this case, the pain is very severe, swelling and difficulty in straightening occur. If you do nothing, the symptoms will disappear within 2 weeks.
When a complete meniscus tear occurs, it is very difficult to miss this event. Hematomas, pain and swelling increase and do not go away. In this case, you simply cannot do without medical help.

Possible injury options

There are several possible damage options:

Infringement. In this case, the work of the joint is blocked. Without urgent medical care, its normal functioning is simply impossible. It is necessary to realign the meniscus, thereby returning it to its normal position.
Partial rupture. Characteristically, cracks appear in certain parts (in one or several at once). The posterior horn is the most damaged.
Complete break. In this case, the meniscus is completely torn from its attachment site.

Symptoms of a dislocated knee joint

Almost all forms of knee damage will be characterized by the following symptoms:

severe pain;
change in the shape of the knee joint;
immobilization of the joint;
incorrect position of the sore leg.

Initially, the patient will experience severe knee pain, swelling, and signs of balloting (floating kneecap). In this case, the deformation of the leg will be step-like, and movements will be limited.

If the patient can passively move his knee, then active movements are simply impossible. Often, with a dislocation, hemarthrosis develops - a disease in which internal hemorrhage occurs in the joint area. In this case, both diseases need to be treated.

If the patency of the popliteal joints is impaired, the foot immediately turns pale, becomes cold to the touch, and the pulsation of the dorsal artery decreases. The position of the affected leg is slightly bent at the knee joint. Palpation will reveal a displaced patella and exposed distal condyle.

Briefly about the anatomy of the knee joint

“An effective and affordable remedy for joint pain exists...” ...

The joint consists of the articular surface of the tibia, the condyles of the femur and patella (patella - a small flat oval bone), and the meniscus. The joint includes the main, femorotibial and patellofemoral joints, and is surrounded by tendons and muscles coming from the thigh and lower leg.

The purpose of the knee joint is to distribute the body load when standing and walking. The patella is involved in flexing the quadriceps femoris, transferring its muscle force to the lower leg.

The photo shows the structure of the human knee joint.