Patella dislocation
Background
- Occurs when pivot knee on fixed leg
Diagnosis
- Petella is usually displaced laterally; knee is held in flexion
Work-Up
- Post-reduction x-ray to evaluate for fracture[1]
- Usually seen at lateral femoral condyle or medial margin of patella
Treatment
- Reduce; do not need x-rays prior to reduction
- Extend knee and slide patella back into place
Disposition
Reduced in ED
- Orthopedic followup within 1-2wks
- Knee immobilizer, NSAIDs, partial weightbearing
Unable to Reduce
- Obtain immediate ortho consult
Source
- ↑ Krause E A. et al. Pediatric lateral patellar dislocation: is there a role for plain radiography in the emergency department? J Emerg Med. 2013 Jun;44(6):1126-31