CYP Physiotherapy/ MSK/Patellar Dislocation/ Version number 3
Version number 3 (CYP code: 2.5.3)
Date of Issue: February 2016
Date of review: August 2022
Review Date: August 2024
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
Patella dislocations are quite common in children and young people. It is normal to have pain and stiffness afterwards.
Restoring normal movement and walking as soon as possible is very important to avoid post-injury stiffness and weakness. The more you move and use your leg, the faster it will heal.
If you have been given a brace, this is for support and reassurance. It can be removed, unless otherwise advised, once you feel more comfortable in moving your knee. This can be done in short spells and whilst doing the exercises.
Moving your knee the first few times without the brace can be uncomfortable but ‘little and often’ is helpful. This is particularly true for younger children who can be quite anxious and may need extra support and encouragement.
Trying to put as much weight as possible on your leg over the next few days will also aid your recovery. If you have been given crutches, gradually decrease the use of them over the next few days.
If you have been discharged with a brace/ crutches, you may be referred for Physiotherapy. You can also access a Physiotherapy Request for Assistance form on our website on NHS Fife at www.nhsfife.org.
Points to remember:
- You should aim to have stopped using the brace within 1 week. It should NOT be kept on for longer than 2 weeks.
- You do not need to be seen by Physiotherapy first to remove the brace.
- Regular use of ice and painkillers are important to manage swelling and discomfort. If you are ‘too sore to move’ this will slow your recovery.
- Following the advice is important and will speed up your recovery.
Sit/Lie with legs straight.
Bend your ankles and push your knees down firmly against the bed.
Repeat 10 times. Increase reps as able to 30x
Lying on your back, Bend one leg and put your foot on the bed and put a cushion under the injured knee.
Exercise your injured leg by pulling your foot and toes up, tightening your thigh muscle and straightening the knee (knee cap on the cushion).
Hold approx 5 seconds, and slowly relax.
Repeat 10 times. Increase reps as able to 30x
Lying on your back with your injured leg straight and the other leg bent.
Exercise your straight leg by pulling the toes up, straightening the knee and lifting the leg 20cm off the bed. Hold approx 5 seconds, slowly relax
Repeat 10 times. Increase reps as able to 30x
Lying on your back
Bend and straighten your leg
Repeat 10 times. Increase reps as able to 30x
Sit on a chair
Pull your toes up, tighten your thigh muscle and straighten your injured knee.
Hold approx 5 seconds, and slowly relax your leg.
Repeat 10 times. Increase reps as able to 30x
Further advice
If your symptoms are not improving 4 to 6 weeks post injury, please attend your GP for further assessment or complete a Physiotherapy Request for assistance form on or email - Fife.paedsphysioreferrals@nhs.scot
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
