“Is it bad to stop using an immobilizer for my dislocated kneecap just 3 days after dislocating?”
I've had 6 dislocations, my knee usually does it once a year, but I dislocated my kneecap on Wednesday, and there's stuff I want to do on Saturday and Sunday but I'm not sure if I should stop wearing the immobilizer so soon. The knee did go back in itself, and I'm just a bit concerned if I should leave the weekend stuff for next weekend just to let my knee get a bit better. I do believe I wore the immobilizer for only 4 or 5 days after my 5th dislocation, so I might just try to take it off and walk on it a bit before the weekend, and if it dislocates then I'd probably have my answer.
Male | 14 years old
5 Answers
yes
If your knee frequently dislocates, using an immobilizer for just a few days is reasonable. There is no long-term benefit for longer use. If you have dislocated so many times, you should consult a surgeon about a normal repair. Repeated dislocations will result in arthritis and need for knee replacement surgery at an early age.
Yes, it is a dangerous move that invites repetition.The retinaculum attached to the side of your kneecap (patella) needs immobility to repair and heal. That may require about 6 weeks of knee immobilization. Knee immobilization allows time for advanced imaging studies such as an MRI. Why? Need to see the extent of the tear. There is a new way to examine closely the relationship between the back of the knee cap and the distal femoral intercondylar notch. Shallow notches at the end of the thigh bone (femur) the knee cap tends to partially (subluxation) or completely slide out of its groove and then slide back in place. Of course, there are instances where the knee cap gets stuck out of place. Such extremes may require reduction in the operation room and surgical repair of the retinaculum that holds the knee cap in place during knee flexion and extension.
Sounds like you need an MPFL reconstruction and possibly a tibial tubercle osteotomy. Your knee cap will continue dislocating regardless of bracing.
If you've had that many dislocations at age 14, you need surgery. An immobilizer a few more days won't make much difference. A stabilizing knee brace would be better.
