First Aid For A Dislocated Patella?
R.I.C.E.R., no harm, or stop ?
Georgie answered:
Rest - the and support the leg
Ice - the knee (make sure the ice pack is wrapped in clean cloth), the ice will help reduce swelling.
Compression - bandage the limb from below and well above the knee
Elevate - the leg
Refer - seek medical attention as soon as possible
Do not - try to put the joint back in place
Do not massage - this increases circulation therefore increases swelling and bruising.
Do not use heat pack - for the fist 24 hours, again increases swelling, pain and bruising
syl c. answered:
Stabilize (splint) the knee with the leg fully straight (extended), and get medical attention. Your health care provider will examine the knee, which could confirm that the kneecap is dislocated.
A knee x-ray and, sometimes, MRIs should be done to make sure that the dislocation did not cause a bone to break or cartilage to be damaged. If tests show that you have no such damage, your knee will be placed into an immobilizer or cast to prevent you from moving it for several weeks (usually about 3 weeks).
After this time, physical therapy can help build back your muscle strength and improve the knee's range of motion. If the knee remains unstable, you may need surgery to stabilize the kneecap. This may be done using arthroscopic or open surgery
Frankie P answered:
I would suggest a visit to a doc, he/she will be able to put your knee cap back into place.If you do this yourself it is usually very painful and some people actually pass out. If I were you I would call the on call triage nurse at your local emergency room and see if he/she can give you some advice or maybe help you.
A friend of mine dislocated her (L) patella while on a weekend away. I supported her leg under the knee and (with consent) gently slid the patella back into place. Within a minute, the dislocation was reduced, her leg was elevated and iced. It took about 3 months to settle down (with a supportive brace) but she hasn't had a problem since and plays golf regularly.
My advice, don't be afraid to put the patella back IMMEDIATELY - be brave before any swelling sets in. Once the patella is back, the swelling and immobilization might hold it in place. Elevation and ice. Good luck!
I agree, but only if you have a long transport time to get medical attention. If you are close to a hospital, let the pros deal with it. I've been a paramedic for 15 years and only saw this a couple of times, wouldn't attempt it on my own due to liability concerns, but there is a process. If the knee is bent, place one hand under the knee, the other hand on the dislocated cap. As you straighten the leg into full extension, pull the kneecap back into alignment, ice it, and strap it tight. Saw a hockey player do this himself while I watched in amazement, then he went back out on the ice! Same procedure the docs in the hospital will do, except they add anesthesia. And no ice time.