Effects of Untreated Patellar Instability
What are the long-term effects of untreated patellar instability?
Long-term complications of patellar instability, especially if patellar instability is not properly managed or if patellar instability episodes occur repeatedly include:
Persistent pain can result from patellar dislocations, especially if there is ongoing instability or damage to the joint structures.
Some individuals may experience a limited range of motion in the knee joint due to scarring, inflammation, or damage caused by dislocations.
Untreated patellar instability can lead to chronic knee pain, cartilage damage, and early-onset arthritis, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life. Recurrent dislocations increase the risk of long-term joint degeneration. Dr. Jorge Chahla emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and preserve knee health. If you are experiencing persistent knee instability, contact Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook for a consultation to prevent further damage.
At a Glance
Dr. Jorge Chahla
- Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
- Performs over 700 surgeries per year
- Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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