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A dislocated kneecap is where your kneecap (patella) moves out of place. It is usually caused by an injury to the knee. Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have a dislocated kneecap.
You've injured your knee and:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You've injured your knee and:
Call 999 if you're unable to get to A&E.
If you think you have dislocated your kneecap, there are some things you can do while waiting for treatment:
keep the knee still
keep the knee supported with padding while sitting or lying down – you can use rolled up clothing, towels or cushions
do not raise the affected knee
do not try to stand or walk on the affected leg
do not try to put the kneecap back into place yourself
A dislocated kneecap often moves back into place by itself.
Even if it does, you will still need to get it checked by a doctor. You will usually need X-rays or an MRI scan.
If your kneecap does not go back into place by itself, a doctor may have to move it back. You will be given a local anaesthetic and may be offered a sedative so you do not feel any pain.
Surgery may be needed if you have badly damaged your knee. Some people may also need surgery to stop the knee from dislocating again.
After treatment, you'll need to go to follow-up appointments to check your knee is healing properly.
It can take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from a dislocated kneecap, but you will usually be able to walk using the affected knee within a few days.
You may be given a knee support to wear for 2 weeks to help it heal. If walking is painful, using a crutch may help.
Your doctor or a physiotherapist will show you knee exercises that you should do regularly to help speed up your recovery.
There are some things you can do to help with the recovery of a dislocated kneecap.
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain
keep your knee and lower leg slightly raised and supported when resting to reduce swelling
do knee exercises throughout the day to stop your knee getting stiff
stay as active as you can
do not twist your knee
do not play sport until your knee has fully recovered its usual strength – your doctor or physiotherapist should be able to give you advice about this
