Patellofemoral dislocation

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Patellofemoral dislocation is when the patella jumps completely out of the walls of the groove in the femur bone, making the joint look horribly deformed. Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

patellar dislocation looking from aboveThe joint usually dislocates to the lateral side, often tearing the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) on the medial side.

Reduction of patellofemoral dislocation

The dislocation may reduce spontaneously at the time, or it may need to be reduced under sedation or anaesthesia.

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Patellar dislocation with torn MPFL

dislocation of the patella with torn MPFLThe MPFL usually plays a major role in resraining the patella in the underlying groove. A dislocation event may tear the ligament.

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