What is patellofemoral instability?

Patellofemoral instability refers to the kneecap (patella) slipping out of its normal position, often leading to dislocation. It commonly affects young adults, athletes, and individuals with joint hypermobility or alignment issues.

What causes the kneecap to dislocate?

Kneecap dislocation can result from trauma, twisting injuries, or anatomical factors such as a shallow trochlear groove or poor patellar alignment. It is more common in active individuals and those with ligament laxity.

How is patellofemoral instability diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves clinical examination and imaging such as X-rays, 3T MRI, or CT scans to assess bone structure, cartilage damage, and alignment. Professor Chinmay Gupte performs a full biomechanical assessment during your consultation.

Do I need surgery for a dislocating kneecap?

Not always. Many first-time dislocations can be treated with physiotherapy. Surgery is recommended for recurrent dislocations or if imaging shows structural issues like ligament rupture or bone misalignment.

What surgeries can help stabilise the kneecap?

Procedures include MPFL reconstruction, trochleoplasty, tibial tubercle osteotomy, or lateral release, depending on the patient’s anatomy and dislocation severity. Professor Gupte tailors surgery based on each individual case.

What is a children's ACL injury?

A children's ACL injury refers to a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, often caused by sports-related activities. In children, these injuries must be managed carefully to avoid damage to the growth plates.

How is ACL surgery different in children?

Children require growth-sparing ACL reconstruction techniques, such as all-epiphyseal or partial transphyseal methods, to protect open growth plates and ensure proper bone development.

Does every child with an ACL tear need surgery?

Not always. Some children can be managed with physiotherapy and activity modification. Surgery is recommended for ongoing instability or high-risk sports involvement.

What is the recovery time after paediatric ACL surgery?

Recovery typically takes 9 to 12 months, including physiotherapy, rehab milestones, and return-to-sport clearance under specialist guidance.

Who is the best children’s ACL surgeon in London?

Professor Chinmay Gupte is a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in children’s ACL injuries. He offers expert, growth-sparing ACL surgery at the Sportshealing Clinic in London.

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Knee anatomy and biomechanics made simple

ACL injury

Meniscus Injuries

Discoid meniscus

Children's ACL injuries

Patellofemoral instability (dislocating kneecap)

Knee osteoarthritis

MAKO unicompartmental knee resurfacing

MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Treatment for osteochondral injuries of the knee by surgeon Professor Chinmay Gupte.

Osteochondral injury/ fracture

Case Study: Megan’s Story, Osteochondral Injury

Medial Collateral ligament injuries

Posterior cruciate ligament PCL injuries

Knock knees or genu valgum

FAQs Patellofemoral (kneecap) instability and dislocation

Meniscus Repair Surgeon London

Patellofemoral pain/runners knee

ACL Re-Rupture and Revision Strategy

Before Knee Surgery

After Knee Surgery

Understanding the Risks of Knee Surgery: A Guide for Patients

Cost of surgery

Knee Surgeon London

Knee Treatment London

Clinic Visits

Rehab Protocols

Knee Braces

Rehab Videos

Injury prevention

Nutritional health knee

Cost of MRI/treatments

How do you read a knee MRI

Cost of knee surgery

Cost of Meniscus Surgery

Children'S Knee Surgeon London

Wound care

Knee health score

About The Clinic

About Mr Gupte

What makes the best knee surgeon

Our Philosophy

In The Press

Patient Testimonial: John's Journey with MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Reviews

0207 483 5160

Blog

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Contact

Home

Knee anatomy and biomechanics made simple

ACL injury

Meniscus Injuries

Discoid meniscus

Children's ACL injuries

Patellofemoral instability (dislocating kneecap)

Knee osteoarthritis

MAKO unicompartmental knee resurfacing

MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Treatment for osteochondral injuries of the knee by surgeon Professor Chinmay Gupte.

Osteochondral injury/ fracture

Case Study: Megan’s Story, Osteochondral Injury

Medial Collateral ligament injuries

Posterior cruciate ligament PCL injuries

Knock knees or genu valgum

FAQs Patellofemoral (kneecap) instability and dislocation

Meniscus Repair Surgeon London

Patellofemoral pain/runners knee

ACL Re-Rupture and Revision Strategy

Before Knee Surgery

After Knee Surgery

Understanding the Risks of Knee Surgery: A Guide for Patients

Cost of surgery

Knee Surgeon London

Knee Treatment London

Clinic Visits

Rehab Protocols

Knee Braces

Rehab Videos

Injury prevention

Nutritional health knee

Cost of MRI/treatments

How do you read a knee MRI

Cost of knee surgery

Cost of Meniscus Surgery

Children'S Knee Surgeon London

Wound care

Knee health score

About The Clinic

About Mr Gupte

What makes the best knee surgeon

Our Philosophy

In The Press

Patient Testimonial: John's Journey with MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Reviews

0207 483 5160

Blog

0

Contact

Home

Folder: Knee Conditions

Back

Knee anatomy and biomechanics made simple

ACL injury

Meniscus Injuries

Discoid meniscus

Children's ACL injuries

Patellofemoral instability (dislocating kneecap)

Knee osteoarthritis

MAKO unicompartmental knee resurfacing

MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Treatment for osteochondral injuries of the knee by surgeon Professor Chinmay Gupte.

Osteochondral injury/ fracture

Case Study: Megan’s Story, Osteochondral Injury

Medial Collateral ligament injuries

Posterior cruciate ligament PCL injuries

Knock knees or genu valgum

FAQs Patellofemoral (kneecap) instability and dislocation

Meniscus Repair Surgeon London

Patellofemoral pain/runners knee

ACL Re-Rupture and Revision Strategy

Folder: Treatments

Back

Before Knee Surgery

After Knee Surgery

Understanding the Risks of Knee Surgery: A Guide for Patients

Cost of surgery

Knee Surgeon London

Knee Treatment London

Folder: Patient Resources

Back

Nutritional health knee

Cost of MRI/treatments

How do you read a knee MRI

Cost of knee surgery

Cost of Meniscus Surgery

Children'S Knee Surgeon London

Wound care

Knee health score

Folder: About

Back

About The Clinic

About Mr Gupte

What makes the best knee surgeon

Our Philosophy

In The Press

Patient Testimonial: John's Journey with MAKO Total Knee Replacement

Reviews

0207 483 5160

Blog

Contact

Surgery to restore your knee back to health

Scenic view of mountains in the background, a lake in the middle, and grassy fields with scattered bushes and trees in the foreground.

Locations:

Platinum Medical Centre Wellington Hospital, London, 15 - 17 Lodge Rd, London NW8 7JA
17 Harley St, London, W1G 9QH
HCA Chiswick, 347-353 Chiswick High Rd. W4 4HS

Chinmay M Gupte

PhD, FRCS (Tr & Orth), MA (Oxon), BMBCh (Oxon)

Knee and sports injury specialist

Contact

chinmayguptepa@hcahealthcare.co.uk

+44 207 483 5160

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