Dislocation of the kneecap (patellar luxation) is a common and painful injury to the knee joint. It causes the kneecap to move outwards. Young and athletically active people are more frequently affected.

In most cases, the patella that has been displaced outwards slides back into its original position (reduction) by itself. However, patellar dislocation must always be treated, as it causes damage to the cartilage surface and there is a high risk of the kneecap dislocating again. 

In the case of patellar dislocation, a distinction must be made between traumatic patellar dislocation and recurrent patellar dislocation. In traumatic patellar dislocations, cartilage damage with a free joint body often occurs as an additional injury. This usually requires surgical arthroscopic treatment.

Depending on the cause of the kneecap dislocation, a different treatment concept is offered. Conservative treatment with physiotherapy or surgical treatment are, for example, tuberosity displacement or reconstruction of the patellar support apparatus - MPFL plastic surgery.