Dr. Peterson frequently treats dislocations of the kneecap or patella.
The kneecap is the small bone that you can feel in the front of your knee. It gives power to the quadriceps muscle. It normally rests and moves up and down in a groove on the end of the femur or thigh bone.
The initial dislocation usually happens from a traumatic injury and often times recurs frequently. When the kneecap dislocates an important ligament called the MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) usually tears. This ligament is the most important stabilizer of the patella.
Normal Anatomy
It is the “checkrein” that prevents side-to-side movement of the kneecap. Without it, many kneecaps experience recurrent dislocation. After a dislocation, most patients can successfully be treated with nonoperative measures such as specialized knee braces and physical therapy. Those that experience chronic, recurrent slips or dislocations of their patella are candidates for a surgical procedure that Dr. Peterson performs often. This procedure uses a hamstring tendon to replace or reconstruct the torn MPFL ligament and restores normal stability to the knee cap.
This minimally invasive, same-day procedure is performed with arthroscopic assistance and recovery is 6-8 weeks with full weight-bearing and knee motion beginning immediately after surgery. Dr. Peterson is an expert at this procedure and he uses the technique taught to him by the surgeon who initially developed this surgical procedure.
Dr. Peterson frequently treats dislocations of the kneecap or patella.
