Painful Kneecap? Patellar Misalignment Can Be Treated with Arthroscopy

Do you feel sharp pain behind or around your kneecap when climbing stairs, squatting, or simply standing up from a seated position? If so, patellar misalignment might be the reason. This common knee issue occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t move in its natural groove—causing pain, instability, or even a “popping” sensation.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, our experienced orthopedic team helps patients find relief from kneecap pain using advanced, minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy. We understand that persistent knee discomfort can affect your quality of life—and we’re here to guide you through your options with care and clarity.

What Is Patellar Misalignment?

The kneecap (patella) is a small bone that slides up and down in a groove at the end of your thighbone (femur) as you move your knee. When this movement becomes abnormal—whether due to muscle imbalances, injury, or structural issues—the patella can shift out of alignment, leading to:

Pain during activity
Kneecap instability or giving way
Swelling or inflammation
Grinding or clicking sounds
Recurring dislocations or subluxations

Patellar misalignment can affect both active individuals and those with sedentary lifestyles. Left untreated, it may cause ongoing pain or even damage to the cartilage behind the kneecap.

What Causes Patellar Misalignment?

Several factors may contribute to the kneecap slipping out of its proper alignment:

Previous injury or trauma to the knee
Muscle imbalance (especially weak thigh muscles)
Abnormally shaped bones or shallow kneecap groove
Loose ligaments or joint laxity
Congenital conditions or anatomical variations

If you're experiencing chronic knee pain, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine whether patellar misalignment is the cause.

How Can Arthroscopy Help?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to view and treat problems inside the knee joint using small instruments and a camera inserted through tiny incisions.

At DRHC Dubai, arthroscopy may be used to:

Realign the kneecap and correct tracking problems
Smooth or repair damaged cartilage
Remove loose fragments or inflamed tissue
Tighten ligaments or correct imbalances

Because arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery, it typically offers faster healing, smaller scars, and reduced postoperative discomfort.

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Common Patient Concerns – Answered

🤕 Is arthroscopy painful?

During the procedure, you’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable. Afterward, mild soreness is expected but manageable with pain medications, ice, and rest. Many patients find that the discomfort from arthroscopy is much less than the pain they were experiencing before surgery.

⏱ How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to basic daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery, especially for sports or strenuous movement, may take 6 to 8 weeks depending on the extent of treatment. At DRHC, we provide individualized rehabilitation plans to speed up healing and strengthen the knee.

🩺 Are there non-surgical options for patellar misalignment?

Yes. For mild to moderate cases, we often begin with:

Physiotherapy to strengthen thigh muscles
Bracing or taping to improve kneecap tracking
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification and targeted exercises

Surgery is usually considered only if conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief.

⚠️ What are the risks of arthroscopy?

As with any procedure, there are minor risks such as infection, stiffness, or bleeding—but these are rare. At DRHC Dubai, patient safety is a top priority, and we follow the highest standards to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

When Should You See a Specialist

You don’t have to live with knee pain. Consider scheduling a consultation if you notice:

Recurring pain around or behind the kneecap
Knee instability, popping, or giving way
Swelling that doesn’t resolve
Difficulty kneeling, climbing stairs, or squatting

The earlier we assess the problem, the better the chances of preventing long-term damage.

Compassionate Knee Care at DRHC Dubai

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center, we understand that the idea of surgery—even minimally invasive—can be overwhelming. That’s why we take a patient-first approach, offering thorough evaluations, honest advice, and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.

Whether you need physiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, or arthroscopic treatment for patellar misalignment, our team in Dubai is here to support your recovery every step of the way.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief?

If your kneecap pain is holding you back from the activities you love, don’t wait. Contact DRHC Dubai today to schedule a consultation and explore your options. Relief may be just a few steps away.

Call +97142798200 us now to schedule your consultation today!
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