Patellar Instability Causes & Treatment | MedStar Health
Doctor checking patient’s knee

Patellar instability is a form of knee instability caused by an unstable kneecap. There are many causes, such as an abnormally shaped femur or an abnormally aligned knee. Patellar dislocations can occur in an otherwise normal knee following a twisting injury. Patellar dislocations are common in young athletes and can lead to recurrent episodes of knee instability. Initial treatment of patella dislocation is often non-surgical with ice, bracing, medication, and physical therapy. If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be required.

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