What you should know about knee instability and dislocations in young athletes

Pain in the kneecap (patella) is very common in young athletes. It’s estimated that up to 15% of adolescents get some degree of patellofemoral pain. Most can be treated with rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and sometimes rehab exercises. But instability of the patella — known as patellofemoral instability — is relatively less common, and more worrisome for children and adolescents. The term “patellofemoral instability” can refer to either a traumatic injury in which a person dislocates their patella, or just general instability in the knee that a person may feel or a physician may observe upon examination. In both cases, it’s important the individual receives the proper treatment in order to avoid long-term damage. Thriving talked to Dr. Matthew Milewski, a pediatric orthopedic sports medicine surgeon in Boston Children’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, about what kids and parents should be aware of if they experience this knee condition. Are there certain sports that put an athlete more at risk for this injury? Patellar instability is incredibly common, some have reported it to be even more common than ACL injuries. We see it in a variety of different sports, and certainly in contact sports like football and lacrosse. But we also see it in jumping sports and sports that involve a significant amount of twisting, like basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and dance. It’s a little less common in sports that have more protection ove...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Dr. Matthew Milewski Orthopedic Center patellofemoral pain syndrome Sports Medicine Division Source Type: news