Kneecap (patellofemoral) injuries

Kneecap problems are usually:

- Either fractures (displaced or not) or cracks following a direct injury to the knee

- Or instability, ranging from mild instability to subluxation (a kneecap almost dislocated from its normal position) or even dislocation. This is when the kneecap moves out of its usual position in the axis of the knee, often with a tear of the medial patellar retinaculum, which holds the kneecap in place.

After a fracture, the knee is first immobilised with an extension brace. It is then replaced, according to the therapist's choice, by a hinged brace with a range of motion that is adjusted as recovery progresses.

During episodes of kneecap instability, a rigid brace is needed at first for subluxations or dislocations.

This brace is then replaced by a second, hinged one with lateral support for the kneecap (silicone insert) in the physiological axis of the knee, without stressing the injured or stretched retinaculum.