Anterior Knee pain and Patella Instability: Diagnosis & Treatment

Our doctors can help you by taking a detailed history to understand your problem, and examine your affected knee to assess which of the above contributes to your problem of knee pain. Imaging such as X-rays and MRI of the affected knee will add critical information in the understanding of your clinical problem. MRI of the knee also tells us the degree of cartilage damage, particularly over the front of the knee.

Once the evaluation is completed, we will then advise you on further treatment. In most cases, you may require advice as to the type of exercises that are suitable for you. We may also refer you to a physiotherapist for mobilisation of the tight structures, and muscle strengthening to correct any muscle imbalance. In severe cases, where there is ligament tear, recurrent patella dislocation, or persistence of severe pain or instability despite adequate attempts at non surgical management, surgery may then be necessary.

The aim of surgery is to correct any factors that contribute to the instability. This may include correcting bony malaligment via bone cuts, repairing the medial ligament, releasing the tight lateral structures, or deepening the femoral groove (in cases of where the femur groove is not well formed). It is therefore critical to understand the nature of the instability in order for the appropriate procedure to be performed.

At Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we are patient centred. Your clinical success is our priority. Both doctors at our clinic are double fellowship trained, and well positioned to evaluate and treat your patella instability.