Indications for Surgery When someone dislocates their patella (knee cap) the structures on the medial side of the patella are torn. Sometimes after a dislocation, you can rehabilitate the knee with physical therapy and the patient can return to activities without recurrent (repeat) dislocations. However, some patients continue to experience instability and dislocations. With each dislocation, there is also risk for associated injuries to the cartilage in the knee. After conservative treatment and physical therapy, if someone continues to have recurrent dislocations, surgery to reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is recommended.
Contraindications
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the postoperative rehabilitation program
- Infection of the knee (current or previous; not an absolute contraindication)
- Severe knee or patellofemoral arthritis