Where is the MPFL located?
The MPFL is located on the inside of the knee and connects the kneecap to the femur or inner thighbone, helping to keep the kneecap centered in the bone groove.
How serious is a MPFL tear?
It is a chronic state where the medial patellofemoral ligament does not function properly because of the injury, such as a knee dislocation, or sustained trauma. MPFL insufficiency or incompetent MPFL can lead to repeated patellar dislocations, pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.
Is a MPFL tear painful?
Although most MPFL tears are caused by a traumatic dislocation, some tears can occur without an obvious injury. Symptoms of an injured or torn MPFL may include: Pain in the kneecap, especially when palpated or with activity. Swelling in the knee after activity.
How do you treat a torn MPFL?
Most first time MPFL injuries can be treated non-surgically with NSAIDs and immobilization. It’s then followed by physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your physician may recommend surgery if the injury is more severe, or if there are small pieces of detached bone or cartilage in the knee.
What is the fastest way to heal a dislocated knee?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Rest your dislocated joint. Don’t repeat the action that caused your injury, and try to avoid painful movements.
- Apply ice and heat. Putting ice on your injured joint helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Take a pain reliever.
- Maintain the range of motion in your joint.
Can a dislocated knee heal itself?
A dislocated kneecap is not usually serious and will often pop back into place by itself. But it’s still a good idea to get it checked by a health professional: if your kneecap has gone back into place by itself – go to your nearest urgent treatment centre or A&E.
How does a medial patellofemoral ligament ( MPFL ) reconstruction work?
MPFL reconstruction is a surgery in which a new medial patellofemoral ligament is created to stabilize the knee and help protect the joint from additional damage. It offers an excellent treatment option for people who have experienced more than one dislocation. The procedure is relatively new.
What happens to the patella when the kneecap is dislocated?
When patellar dislocation occurs, soft tissues are damaged as the patella “jumps” the track and then comes forcibly back into place. Because the kneecap dislocates toward the outside of the leg, the ligament on the inside of the knee (the MPFL) gets torn. Left untreated, an injured MPFL can heal on its own.
Why is MR imaging important for patellar dislocation?
MR imaging can thus provide important information for individually tailored treatment. Patients with primary patellar dislocation without severe internal derangement who lack major risk factors can be treated conservatively.
What happens if you have a patellofemoral dislocation?
Chronic instability of the patellofemoral joint and recurrent dislocation may lead to progressive cartilage damage and severe arthritis if not treated adequately. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the knee is widely used after first-time or recurrent patellar dislocation.