“Could my son have a dislocated knee?”
My son seems to have some symptoms of a dislocated knee. His knee literally looks out of pain and he's in some pain. I think it's from running, since he's on a cross country team. He doesn't want to go to he doctor since he thinks he's fine. What should I do?
2 Answers
This sounds more like an issue with his patella (knee cap). Runners commonly get these issues when their quadriceps muscle group changes its strength compared with what is being required. I would suggest that your son see a non-surgical sports medicine physician for an evaluation. After that time, it is likely that he will need physical therapy! If his knee is unable to bend or straighten for a significant period, however, then you should definitely be seen soon.
It’s unlikely he dislocated his patella. However, he may have mild patella lateral subluxation. He should be evaluated by an orthopedist and obtain X-rays.
Scott M. Taylor, M.D.
Scott M. Taylor, M.D.
