Understanding Patella Dislocation in Children: A Parent’s Guide
When your child suddenly clutches their knee in pain during sport or play, it can be worrying. One possible cause is a patella dislocation, when the kneecap moves out of its normal position. Although it sounds serious, with the right care and rehabilitation, most children recover well and return to their favourite activities with confidence.
What Is a Patella Dislocation?
The patella, or kneecap, sits in a groove at the front of the thigh bone (femur) and helps the knee straighten and bend smoothly.
A dislocation happens when the kneecap slides out of this groove, usually to the outer side of the knee. This often occurs during sports, jumping, twisting, or even a simple misstep.
It’s a common knee injury in children and teenagers, especially those who are:
Growing quickly (as the joints and soft tissues are adjusting)
Involved in sports like football, netball, or gymnastics
Naturally flexible or have hypermobile joints
How It May Look or Feel
Typical signs of a patella dislocation include:
Sudden pain and swelling around the knee
A visible change in the knee shape (the kneecap may look shifted)
Difficulty straightening or standing on the leg
Sometimes, the kneecap moves back into place on its own
If this happens, it’s important to have your child assessed by a doctor or at A&E. They may request an X-ray or MRI to check for any associated injuries, such as small bone fragments or cartilage damage.
The Road to Recovery
After the kneecap is back in place and any swelling has reduced, physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring strength, stability, and confidence in movement.
At Bloom and Balance Physio, we focus on:
Reducing pain and swelling: Using gentle movement and advice on rest and positioning.
Restoring strength: Especially in the thigh (quadriceps) and hip muscles, which help guide the kneecap correctly.
Improving balance and control: Through fun, age-appropriate exercises to retrain movement patterns.
Building confidence: Helping your child feel safe to return to running, jumping, and play.
In some cases, if the dislocation keeps happening (called recurrent dislocation), an orthopaedic review may be needed to consider further management.
Encouraging a Positive Outlook
The good news is that most children make a full recovery and return to their usual sports and play.
Physiotherapy supports not only physical healing but also emotional reassurance, helping your child trust their body again and move freely without fear.
Remember, every recovery journey is unique, and with patience, encouragement, and the right guidance, progress always follows.
If Your Child Has Experienced a Patella Dislocation
At Bloom and Balance Physio, we provide home-based and personalised care to help children regain balance, strength, and confidence after injury.
Whether it’s their first dislocation or a recurring issue, we’ll guide them (and you) through every step of recovery.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your child’s rehabilitation journey.
