Dislocated Kneecap (Patellar Subluxation)

This occurs when the triangular bone that covers the front of your knee (patella) slips out of place, usually to the outside of your knee. You'll be able to see the dislocation, and your kneecap is likely to move excessively from side to side. You're also likely to have intense pain and swelling in the affected area and difficulty walking or straightening your knee. Once you've had a dislocated kneecap, you're at increased risk of having it happen again.

Although you may not experience as much swelling or discomfort with subsequent episodes, repeated dislocations can lead to chronic knee pain. Good rehabilitation, with a focus on strength training of the muscles that control your kneecap, can help prevent dislocation.

Treatment of patellar subluxation includes: Physiotherapy required to strengthen the VMO (part of the quadriceps muscle) to realign the pull on the kneecap. KNEEHAB® is designed specifically for this purpose as channel 1 on the unit contracts this muscle approx 1 second before channel 2 contracts the rest of the quadriceps muscle. This stabilises the kneecap and helps it to track correctly over time.

Bracing and Taping can provide symptomatic relief, but is not a long-term solution. Better Footwear contributes to the gait cycle. Motion control running shoes may help control your gait while running and decrease the pressure on the kneecap.

The quadriceps muscle is the most important stabiliser of the knee. After suffering from a dislocated kneecap it is essential that the weakness in the VMO be corrected to re-align the pull of the kneecap. KNEEHAB® is ideal for this purpose as it isolates and contracts the VMO thereby helping to stabilise the knee and strengthen the quadriceps muscle.

KNEEHAB® is an innovative and clinically proven, garment-based Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device. It is designed specifically to treat quadriceps atrophy (thigh muscle wastage) that arises from being unable to exercise due to your patellar dislocation. It re-educates the muscle by sending gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on the surface of the skin. This electrical stimulation applied to the motor nerve re-educates and strengthens the quadriceps muscle through cycles of contraction and relaxation.

It is recommended that KNEEHAB® be used in conjunction with voluntary exercise in order to optimize and control your rehabilitation.