Introduction

A patellar dislocation happens when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its usual position, typically moving sideways away from the knee. This injury can be upsetting for both patients and carers, but understanding what it involves is vital. While many cases heal well with timely medical care, leaving a patellar dislocation untreated can bring serious long-term problems. In this article, we will explore these risks and explain why prompt expert treatment is so important for preserving knee health.

What Happens in a Patellar Dislocation?

The patella normally glides smoothly within a groove on the thigh bone (femur). During a dislocation, the kneecap slips out of this groove – most often to the outside – usually because of a sudden twist, impact, or an anatomical quirk. This injury is different from other knee problems that affect ligaments or cartilage primarily. After the dislocation, the knee tends to become painful, swollen, and difficult to move. This is because the joint surfaces and surrounding tissues are disrupted, causing instability and impaired function. Importantly, “medial patellofemoral ligament injury is the primary stability barrier after patellar dislocation, with high recurrence rates with conservative treatment” (Huang et al., 2025).

What Are the Long-Term Risks If Left Untreated?

If a patellar dislocation is ignored, the knee can face several lasting issues. One major problem is chronic instability, where the kneecap keeps slipping out of place, becoming more frequent and severe over time. This instability interferes with normal knee movement and can make walking or activities difficult.

There is also a risk of recurrent dislocations. Every time the kneecap dislocates again, it further damages the tissues that keep it stable, raising the chance of future episodes. Indeed, “high recurrence rates with conservative treatment” highlight why proper management is so important (Huang et al., 2025). Supporting this, one study found “no recurrent instability in the surgical group, compared with 11.9% in patients treated non-surgically” (Bu et al., 2025).

Untreated dislocations often cause ongoing pain and reduced function, limiting everyday activities and quality of life.

In addition, the knee joint may suffer from early patellofemoral arthritis as changes to the joint mechanics and cartilage damage take hold after injury. Rare but serious complications can also occur: “simultaneous osteochondral injury to the medial patella and lateral femoral condyle is a rare but significant complication of lateral patellar dislocation” (Bolisetti et al., 2025). Because such injuries are often missed initially, “early diagnosis using advanced imaging is needed to prevent long-term complications” (Bolisetti et al., 2025).

Finally, arthrofibrosis — the development of excess scar tissue causing stiffness and restricted movement — can develop, severely affecting knee function and daily life.

Special Perspectives: Expert Care in Managing Patellar Dislocation

Seeking professional advice without delay after a patellar dislocation is essential. Orthopaedic specialists can accurately diagnose the injury and design tailored treatment plans that greatly reduce complications.

British orthopaedic and knee organisations have issued clear guidelines focusing on best practice to protect patients and improve outcomes. Modern surgical methods have shown excellent results. For example, “an all-arthroscopic technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using high-strength synthetic suture tape” offers “low recurrence rates and good functional recovery” (Huang et al., 2025). Another study confirms that “surgical MPFL reconstruction combined with lateral retinacular release provides better clinical outcomes and a lower chance of recurrence compared with non-surgical treatment” (Bu et al., 2025).

Leading clinics also provide innovative approaches, such as uncemented implants in certain surgeries, which have helped many patients achieve lasting joint preservation and improved function.

Moreover, patients benefit from the expertise of leading figures like Professor Paul Lee, a well-regarded cartilage specialist and Royal College of Surgeons Ambassador. Through the MSK Doctors team, patients receive comprehensive, supportive care designed to optimise recovery and maintain long-term knee health.

When to Seek Medical Help

Certain signs following a patellar dislocation indicate the need for urgent medical attention. These include severe pain, inability to move or bear weight on the injured leg, obvious deformity, or repeated kneecap slipping episodes.

Getting prompt treatment is vital. Early diagnosis and expert management dramatically reduce the risk of ongoing instability, pain, and damage.

If knee pain or instability remains after an injury, patients and carers should consult qualified specialists. Expert care ensures correct treatment, helping to prevent further problems and preserve knee function.

Conclusion

Leaving a patellar dislocation untreated can cause serious long-term problems including chronic instability, recurrent dislocations, persistent pain, joint degeneration, and scar tissue formation. Recognising symptoms early and seeking expert help can help avoid these issues and protect your knee health. While a dislocation can be worrying, timely and skilled management by specialists such as Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team offers comfort and the best chance of a healthy, active future.

References

• Huang, Z., Yang, W., Niu, Y., Yao, H., Feng, W., Ou, Y., & Zhu, W. (2025). All-Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Using Artificial Ligament for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation. Arthroscopy Techniques, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2025.103922
• Bu, G., Si, N., Li, H., & Min, L. (2025). Comparison of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction associated with lateral retinacular release vs conservative treatment for first-time acute patellar dislocation: clinical outcomes and recurrence risk. [Journal Name Unspecified]. https://doi.org/10.1728/4594.46020
• Bolisetti, A., Ravi, S., & Gallo, R. A. (2025). Simultaneous Osteochondral Fractures of the Medial Patella and Lateral Femoral Condyle Following Lateral Patellar Dislocation: A Case Report. Cureus, 17(4), e91128. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.91128