Patellofemoral Instability

Patellofemoral instability can cause painful knee joints and dislocation. Austin Sports Medicine, serving the community in and around Central and South Austin, as well as Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, offers comprehensive care to people with this disabling knee condition. The team’s expertise extends from nonsurgical physical medicine treatments to cutting-edge orthopedic surgery. Call your nearest Austin Sports Medicine office today to schedule a consultation or complete the online booking form for first-class patellofemoral instability treatment.

What is patellofemoral instability?

Patellofemoral instability happens when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t stay in its groove on the thigh bone (femur).

This can cause the kneecap to slip or dislocate, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee, especially during sports or physical activity.

What causes patellofemoral instability?

Patellofemoral instability may be due to:

• A sudden injury
• Weak or imbalanced muscles
• Loose ligaments
• A shallow groove in the femur

It’s more common in young athletes, especially those who play sports that involve jumping, twisting, or quick direction changes. Genetics and prior kneecap dislocations also increase the risk.

Austin Sports Medicine uses a full range of onsite diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of your knee. These include Quantum© Digital Imaging System X-rays for precise bone alignment and joint spacing, and open MRI for detailed ligament and cartilage images.

What treatments help with patellofemoral instability?

The Austin Sports Medicine team offers a personalized approach to treating patellofemoral instability.

Physical therapy is often the first step. A customized program strengthens the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps and hips, to improve kneecap stability and reduce pain. A knee brace helps support the joint.

Orthobiologic treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), assist healing and possibly speed recovery. Steroid injections reduce inflammation.

If conservative treatments aren’t enough or you have repeated dislocations, you may require surgery.

What surgery might I need for patellofemoral instability?

Patellofemoral instability surgeries include:

Patellofemoral realignment

This procedure shifts the kneecap’s tracking into a better position.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy

Osteotomy positions the bone where the patellar tendon attaches to reduce stress on the joint.

Ligament reconstruction

You might need to undergo ligament reconstruction if the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) that helps keep the kneecap in place is badly damaged.

Cell-based cartilage repair or allograft transplantation

These options replace or regenerate damaged cartilage.

In cases of advanced arthritis, patellofemoral arthroplasty (a type of partial knee replacement) may be the best option for long-term relief.

With early diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most people with patellofemoral instability experience a full recovery and return to regular activities. 

Whether you’re an athlete working toward peak performance or simply want to walk without knee pain, you can move confidently again, with strength, stability, and fewer worries about dislocation.

For expert patellofemoral instability assessment and treatment, call Austin Sports Medicine today or book an appointment online.