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Knee

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:

Once a person has experienced a patellar dislocation, they may be at a higher risk of having more dislocations in the future. Repeated dislocations can cause further damage to the knee joint.

Patellar dislocations can result in chronic patellofemoral instability, where the patella doesn’t track properly within the femoral groove, leading to ongoing pain and functional limitations.

During a patellar dislocation, the patella may scrape against the femur or other structures, potentially causing cartilage damage. Over time, this can lead to osteoarthritis in the knee joint.

The initial dislocation may also damage ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues in the knee, which can affect joint stability and function.

Following a patellar dislocation and associated injuries, there may be muscle weakness in the quadriceps and other leg muscles, which can further contribute to instability and functional limitations.

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.

If you suspect you have a patellar instability or are experiencing knee pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a knee evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic complex knee surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of patellofemoral pathology and knee ligamentous injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including complex patellofemoral and ligamentous injuries. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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