Patellar subluxation and patellar dislocation both refer to a condition in which the kneecap cannot reliably remain within the trochlear groove at the bottom of the femur (thigh bone).
Normally, the patella rests in a groove at the lower end of the femur (thighbone) called the trochlear groove. The underside of the patella has a shape like a keel of a ship. This “keel” engages with the trochlear groove to ensure vertical movement of the kneecap as the knee is flexed and extended. Patella instability can result from malformations of the trochlear groove (e.g. excessive shallowness). It can also be a result of weakness of the quadricep muscles or lateral ligaments that are also responsible for keeping the patella in place.
Another condition that falls under the heading of patella instability is patellar subluxation. This refers to to temporary partial dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position in the trochlear groove at the end of the thigh bone.
As with patella instability , this condition is usually attributable to structural abnormalities of the knee. For example, subluxation may a result of the underdevelopment of the inner thigh muscle. It may also be due to overdevelopment of the outer thigh muscle.
Another knee problem related to patellar subluxation is patellar tilt / glide. This refers to two conditions under which the patella deviates from its normal movement in response to knee flexion or extension:
Both of these patella instability conditions can give rise to patellofemoral pain syndrome, i.e. pain in response to flexing or extending the knee. In some cases, the patient may experience pain when performing any sort of weight bearing activity like walking, running or squatting.
Using knee braces like the ones below can help to relieve these problems. However, you should not assume that they are for this purpose only. These braces can also be useful in treating other knee conditions besides patellar subluxation. For example, they may also incorporate features to treat knee joint instability, a torn ACL or other knee problems.
The Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace is made of extremely comfortable fabric with maximum medial-lateral support to help protect weak or injured knees. Mueller-exclusive HydraCinn® fabric, Triaxial Hinges, tibial containment system, inner anti-slip strips, flatlock seams, form-fitting hourglass design, fully adjustable and comfortable fit.
The Mueller Hg80 Knee Stabilizer features their exclusive HydraCinn fabric, steel springs with bilateral support, an hourglass design and a reinforced lightweight gel buttress. Use it to treat stiff sore or unstable knees or a dislocated patella (kneecap).
This product has been replaced by the Hg80Premium Knee Stabilizer.
The Mueller Hg80 Premium Hinged Knee Brace has lightweight and neoprene-free breathable fabric with maximum medial-lateral support to help protect weak or injured knees.
The Mueller Hg80 Premium Knee Stabilizer has lightweight and neoprene-free breathable fabric with maximum medial-lateral support to help protect weak or injured knees.
This product has replaced the Hg80 Knee Stabilizer
The LP Hinged Knee Stabilizer is equipped with hinges that offer maximum protection against ligament damage and an EVA ring to prevent patellar displacement. It is the perfect choice if you are looking to pursue a physically active lifestyle while recovering from an old knee injury.
The McDavid Knee Support With Stays has a padded buttress that supports the patella. Spring steel stays provide reinforced support and elastic hook and loop straps ensure an outstanding fit. There is an exterior layer of nylon fabric for durability.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
The McDavid Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps features reinforced spring steel stays offer enhanced medial-lateral confidence. Also included are elastic cross straps for enhanced compression and added rotational and collateral ligament support. The padded open buttress offers 360˚ support of the patella.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support helping to relieve symptoms and aid recovery from chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and tendonitis
The Open Patella Knee Support from LP has a comfort oriented design thanks to its Velcro hook & loop closure and open patella design that helps to avoid excess knee warmth. The combination of neoprene and stretch nylon ensures that the knee gets optimal support where it is most needed without compromising the overall comfort level of the brace. One Size. Available for both “Chronic ” and “”Prevention” levels of protection.
The BioSkin Patella Stabilizer is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
Patella subluxation and patellofemoral pain treatment
The Bio Skin Premium J combines function, comfort and affordability. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Premium J gives excellent compression without causing discomfort. A buttress on the outside of the patella prevents patella subluxation and knee dislocation. The two elastic straps that cross over the knee help seat the patella in the trochlear groove to increase surface contact area and decrease patellofemoral pain.
Adjustable support for patellofemoral pain The BioSkin Q Brace is designed to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellofemoral problems. The Q Brace`s T Strap places gentle, lateral pressure on the patella to prevent subluxation (dislocation) and to help maintain the patella in its proper position. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Q Brace gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
Multi-directional patella tracking knee brace The BioSkin Q Brace Front Closure is designed to reduce the pain of mild to moderate patellofemoral problems. The Q Brace’s t-strap places gentle, lateral pressure on the patella to prevent subluxation (dislocation) and to help maintain the patella in its proper position. Constructed from Bio Skin’s breathable materials, the Q Brace gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
Q Lok – Dynamic Patella Traction System The BioSkin Q Lok is designed to diminish the effects and aid in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral pain. Patellofemoral pain is caused by improper tracking between the patella (knee-cap) and the femur. The superior compression and unique strapping system of the Q Lok push the patella back into the correct position in the trochlear notch at the end of the femur. A properly positioned patella spreads the force in the joint over a large surface and decreases pain and wear on the joint. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Q Lok gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
Q Lok – Dynamic Patella Traction System. The Bio Skin Q Lok Pull On is designed to diminish the effects and aid in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral pain. Patellofemoral pain is caused by improper tracking between the patella (knee-cap) and the femur. The superior compression and unique strapping system of the Q Lok push the patella back into the correct position in the trochlear notch at the end of the femur. A properly positioned patella spreads the force in the joint over a large surface and decreases pain and wear on the joint. Constructed from Bio Skin`s breathable materials, the Q Lok gives excellent compression without causing discomfort.
The LP Standard Knee Support Open Patella uses an oval pad for enhanced knee warmth and extra protection. However, it also includes reinforced patellar stabilization and the open patella design makes for greater wearing comfort. The stretch fabric construction also facilitates application and removal.
Discover how the Sammons Preston Knee Immobilizer provides post-operative knee immobilization designed to lock the knee in a fully extended position,
The LP XTremus Knee Brace targets the entire knee and provides maximum support with it’s 3-Dimensional knitting structure and donut shaped silicone pad combined with close circle high-density knitted fabric to improve patella stability.
