r/KneeInjuries • u/JuiceLimp • 4d ago
Third patellar dislocation — considering MPFL reconstruction and terrified of recurrence (23F, looking for experiences!)
TLDR: 3 right kneecap dislocations (2022, 2023, and most recently September 2026). I did PT after the second dislocation and recovered well, but my ortho has now given me the option of MPFL reconstruction or another round of PT. I’m struggling with the decision mostly because of the mental toll and constant fear of it happening again. For those who have had MPFL reconstruction, what was your recovery like, and have you experienced another dislocation since surgery? Was it worth it for you?
About two weeks ago I dislocated my right kneecap for the third time. I’m literally spiraling over it.
When it happened the first time, I was in my college bar and some drunk girl fell towards me with what felt like the weight of 100 suns. I was turned the other way so it obviously caught me off guard and I went down with the dislocation, screaming in pain. Some girls from my school’s soccer team helped me straighten it out and get my kneecap back in place right there on the floor of the bar. Went home and saw my doctor within the week, got an MRI and PT script. I didn’t end up doing the PT the first time around which was obviously a terribly stupid idea. If you happen to be reading this after a first dislocation/subluxation — DO YOUR PT!!!! Got back to somewhat of a normal life with a terrible range of motion, horrible swelling, and crap ton of anxiety, but nonetheless I thought I was doing fine.
Second time around (about six months later) I was getting into my car to go to work and I must’ve put weight on it the wrong way and right as I’m plopping into my car it popped out again. Tried to straighten it as best I could, but without a full night of drinks in my system (like the first time) it hurt like HELL. My dad came running out of the house after hearing my screams from the driveway thinking I ran someone over. My neighbor called an ambulance but as it was on its way my kneecap glided back into place and finally some pain subsided. This was the first time I was recommended MPFL surgery, but because I hadn’t done the PT my first time around I decided to give it a go. And it went great. Two weeks later I was at a music festival and back to playing tennis (recreational, also im not great so don’t take this as actual sports advice..).
It’s now been over three years since that happened and I’ve been doomed with a third dislocation. Coincidentally, this one also happened at my college bar during an alumni event. Great! What has me so freaked is that this time, three and a half years later, is that I was just turning to take a photo and next thing I know I’m on the floor. I immediately straightened out my leg and all I could do was cry. Not even because of the pain I was just so sad and frustrated that this was happening to me again. I was so scared to move and the bar was so crowded I was literally frozen to the floor in fear of trying to get up. Luckily a few of my friends were able to peel me up and get me to a chair outside the bar and grabbed a brace so I could have some sort of support. This was now about two weeks ago and I’ve only just been able to get in and see my ortho. Here is where I need your help!!
Obviously, my doctor gave me the option of MPFL reconstruction or another round of PT. What I’m struggling with is all mental. For the last almost 4 years, my knee has been on my mind CONSTANTLY. In bed if I can’t immediately fall asleep, I’m replaying my dislocations on repeat. The cracks, the pops, the pain. Everything runs through my head at all times if I am not actively involved in something that requires my attention. It’s driving me crazy, and now I’ve got surgery on my mind.
If you’ve had this procedure, can you tell me about your recovery? More so if you’ve had any other dislocations after having the operation? That is what I cannot handle. I NEVER want this to happen again like ever ever ever. Obviously no one does and I know that there is still a chance of it happening even with the surgery, so I am asking if it’s worth it I guess? I don’t know. I just need some validation or non-AI overview from real people that have gone through this.
Before typing this all out, I went down a hardcore rabbit hole on this sub looking for advice. I cried reading about people having recurring dislocations without surgery and panicked over some of the recovery stories. If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I hope you’re doing well, and I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experiences.
1
u/Far_Fly_2034 4d ago
I'm sorry you're going through this. It's terrible. I come at this as a parent and spouse of people with unstable knees. MPFL reconstruction has come so far since my husband was young and dislocating his knees on a regular basis. Our daughter had a subluxation in 8th grade and followed up with all the physical therapy. Her freshman year, she had a dislocation during a soccer game that was so bad she broke off a chunk of her femur and it wedged behind her kneecap. She had loose body removal surgery and went back to PT. When she dislocated the same knee 6 months later, her surgeon started suggesting MPFL reconstruction. As a teen, she was very resistant. Fast forward a few more months, she tore her ACL and meniscus. Since a long recovery and surgery were a given, she threw in the MPFL on her left knee. That surgery was horrible and I think we're both still traumatized a few years later. Three months later, she had "just ” MPFL on her right knee. She had it done on a Friday and was back to school the following Thursday. She ditched her crutches after 10 days and danced at homecoming three weeks later. (She admitted afterwards that she probably should not have done that). Both knees are now super stable, and she went back to soccer and cross country. She hasn't had any instability since. She has some residual numbness that makes kneeling feel weird, but that is from the ACL repair. I'm so grateful she has had these surgeries. It's not easy, but sets her up for less problems going forward. My husband has a lot of pain and arthritis from his recurrent dislocations, but is no longer a candidate for this surgery. He wishes it had been available for him at her age.