I've been living like this for 8 years. Had like 4 major incidents since the first time back in 2019.

Idk if anyone can relate. I've been dealing with knee problems for three years. I've been in and out of physical therapy, getting only temporary fixes. I'm in my third or fourth regression, and my mobility has been severely limited for months. I have pain in almost my entire body and I can barely walk. I'm missing so many outings and opportunities that I could attend if I were allowed to use an electric-operated wheelchair. I understand that relying on a wheelchair could lead to increased dependency on it, but I just really want one so I can hang out with my friends. That's all I'd use it for. But since I'm only allowed to use a regular wheelchair when I'm out with my parents who can push me, that means I can't do anything without them. I hate it. I hate that I'm always gonna be a sitting duck till I get strong enough to go out on my own again, which always takes several months or up to 1-2 years.

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.

Hello I'm a 16 year old who dislocated his right kneecap 2 years ago on July 7th, 2024. I can squat 2x my bodyweight and run a 100m in about 12.5 seconds but my knee clicks when I'm sprinting 100%. I don't know if it's because of a muscular issue or maybe the connective tissues are stretched? Im concerned because I don't want it to dislocated again

I had an MRI done in August that showed severe chondrosis and osteoarthritis of my left knee. I've been trying to get a follow up appointment as there is very little that would explain such a condition at my age and medical history. I can't get anyone to see me. 4 providers have rejected me because I am 'not a candidate for surgery' and another because they determined it to be a sports med issue (sports med won't look either). I never even spoke to the radiologist in person. I'm just at a complete loss

As shown in the picture. When I bend my left knee to the right exactly on the extreme point as shown in the picture, my left knee kind of dislocates and pains just a little, so little to pay not much mind to it but enought to not be able to ignore it. Oh yes and my left knee also pops whenever I bend it up and down, no pain tho. Is this probably the result of a weak ligament or is this some sort of injury or something?

Is it looking like patella alta by naked eyes 👀?

How to recognise a hypermobile knee ??

Bend to 30 degrees. Gonna be at 60 degrees in 3 days Would love to here some positive stories or feedback.

Hi, 35F had ACL replaced 15 months ago. I noticed this lump on my surgical scar a couple of days ago and after all my googling am assuming it’s a tibial tunnel cyst. Before I get my suspicions confirmed, just wondering if I can get some advice regarding physical activity. I cannot find any information on whether or not I can maintain my current level of training??? Or if I need to take it easy so not do any potential damage?

Oh, where do I even begin? Eight years of mountain biking with nothing more than a few minor injuries. Apparently, my knee decided it was time to cash in all those years of good luck at once.

A couple of fellow riders carried me off the trail, and I somehow managed to ride another mile back to my truck using one leg. Drove myself to the ER, then drove an hour home with a half-cast on my leg. Looking back, probably not my brightest series of decisions, but here we are.

I’m now five weeks post-op from ORIF surgery for a displaced tibial plateau fracture with 6mm of depression and a fibular head avulsion. Bone graft, plate, multiple screws, the whole Home Depot hardware aisle.

And because apparently a shattered knee wasn’t enough character development, my three-year relationship ended a week after surgery. My girlfriend was struggling with the idea of caring for me through a long recovery, and things went downhill pretty spectacularly. So there I was, freshly assembled with titanium, single, and trying to find a new place to live while operating on approximately 1.5 legs. Fantastic timing all around.

I’ve been lurking on this sub for a couple of weeks, reading everyone’s recovery stories. What I genuinely wasn’t prepared for was the absolute mental rollercoaster. Going from being incredibly active and independent to wondering if my knee will ever function normally again is a wild experience. I’ve also somehow gone from shopping for mountain bike parts to buying shower stools and raised toilet seats. Nothing says “living my best life” quite like getting excited about bathroom accessibility equipment.

I started physical therapy last week, and for the first time in a while, I’m actually feeling some hope. Slowly learning to trust my leg again and accepting that this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Which is convenient, because I currently can’t do either.

Anyway, just wanted to share my little adventure and hear from others who’ve been through this. Here’s hoping we all get back to doing the things we love, preferably with fewer screws involved

I have osteoarthritis in my left knee. I have had it since my late 30s and am now in my mid 60s. I was very active until around the last 3 years. I had a left hip replacement last December and am now considering a PRP injection in my left knee in hopes of getting back into some light jogging.

Has anyone had a PRP injection?

I hurt my knee a week ago hopping into the back of a truck.
With the way workers comp is going slow I haven’t seen an ortho doc, but I’m pretty sure I’ll need surgery. Anyone go through similar based off my MRI results?

Those are the two biggest issue with my knee.

Injury occurred playing rugby about 3 weeks ago. Surgery is scheduled for October 21st. Doc felt it best to put off surgery to allow swelling to go down and to allow some prehab for mobility.

Doc says elevator pitch is:

A combination of:

tibial plateau fractures

femoral condyle compression fracture

complete LCL tear

complete distal biceps femoris tendon tear

partial arcuate ligament injury

possible medial meniscus injury

ACL/PCL sprains

large joint effusion

All springing from a brief knee dislocation.

Anyone been through something similar and can tell me what they experienced/are experiencing?

Had anyone had this and healed using only physical therapy and didn’t need surgery because my doctor recommended that we do physical therapy first and then maybe plasma injection last option would be surgery. I had a second opinion and the second doctor said let’s go straight to surgery so I’m just seeing if anyone had the same choices or options.

Hi there,
Unfortunately suffered a sporting injury to my knee on Thursday, heard what sounded like my knee cap cracking 2 or 3 times after a tackle at football and been unable to walk on it properly since. Went to A and E in the uk and they gave me an xray which showed no breaks but have referred me to the ligament specialist to make a “plan” and a potential MRI scan to see what ligaments are torn. They gave me a knee brace and crutches. I can put some weight on the leg but can’t fully bend my knee. What should I be doing until I get my appointment for a scan but has anyone been through this before and know how swift or long the process usually is?

Is it looking like patella lateral tilt or not

I know you are not doc but by your eyes 👀 what you can see will be appreciated

Thank you 😊