Patellar dislocation
![](/Images/godic/202502/01/Patellaluxation_ap_0014640.png")
![Anatomy of the Knee](/Images/godic/202502/01/Knee_diagram.svg4640.png")
![X-ray and MRI after luxation of the patella. There is a fragment and bone bruise at the medial surface of the patella and in the corresponding surface of the lateral condyle of the femur. The medial retinaculum of the patella is disrupted.](/Images/godic/202502/01/Patella_Luxation_coronar34640.png")
Patellar dislocation is an injury of the knee, typically caused by a direct blow or a sudden twist of the leg. It occurs when the patella (kneecap) slips out of its normal position in the patellofemoral groove, and generally causes intense pain with swelling of the knee. Open or arthroscopic surgery may be used to repair damage, but are typically avoided since rates of re-injury, knee function, and patients' opinions do not differ much from conservative treatment.