How to Keep a Knee Cap Straight

If you sustain a knee cap -- or patellar dislocation -- you will need to keep your knee cap straight to promote healing. A knee cap dislocation can occur from a direct blow to the knee, sudden change of direction, or awkward twisting of the knee. A dislocation can cause severe pain, swelling and deformity of the knee. The goal of treating a patellar dislocation is to stabilize the knee. This is done by immobilization or surgery to keep the knee cap straight.

Things You'll Need

• Knee brace

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor or go to an emergency facility. With a knee cap dislocation, you are going to require medical treatment. Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination of your knee. X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan may also be taken to get a better view of the inside of your knee. Upon results, your doctor will then discuss treatment options.

• 2

  Receive conservative care. The goal of conservative care is to keep the knee cap as straight as possible while it heals through immobilization. A knee brace will hold your knee in a straight position. You will be immobilized for seven to 10 days, according to the University of Connecticut Health Center. Following immobilization, you will begin physical therapy and can expect a full recovery within three to six weeks.

• 3

  Have surgery. For severe dislocations or if conservative treatment fails, surgery is an option. Surgery will help to resurface and stabilize your knee cap. Following surgery, your knee will be immobilized as it heals. You will then begin weight bearing exercises and other physical therapy -- such as strengthening and range of motion exercises. Recovery from surgery takes 10 to 12 weeks, according to the University of Connecticut Health Center.

• 4

  Use a knee brace. Following conservative care or surgery, you will be given a knee brace. A knee brace can help keep your knee cap aligned as you begin to resume normal activity.