Kneecap stabilisation
Patella (kneecap) realignment surgery
Kneecap stabilisation is a surgical procedure to realign a dislocated knee and repair the ligaments holding it in place
What is knee instability?
Instability can lead to recurrent dislocation and chronic pain, causing damage to the tendons and ligaments holding your knee in place.
Your consultant may recommend surgery to realign and help stabilise your knee.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Kneecap stabilisation surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep. The type of surgery you have will depend on the cause of your kneecap instability and the extent of the damage to your joint.
Stabilisation surgery can often be done as an arthroscopic (keyhole) procedure. In some cases, open surgery may be required. Your consultant will recommend the best approach for you. The procedure usually involves repairing damaged or torn ligaments in your knee.
Your surgeon may also need to reposition a tendon to prevent your kneecap from being pulled out of alignment again. The entire procedure can take up to an hour. -
How to prepare icon plus
Before the procedure, your consultant may suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to examine your knee and decide the best procedure for you.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know what you need to do to prepare, including how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
After surgery icon plus
Depending on the type of surgery you've had, you may be cared for in hospital overnight following your procedure. Some people are able to return home the same day.
You'll need to use crutches or a walker for several days after you leave hospital. Your consultant will let you know you when you can start bearing weight on your leg again. They may also recommend some physiotherapy exercises to help rebuild you knee strength and mobility.
Depending on your procedure, a full recovery may take several months. Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
Paying for medical treatment
Our knee consultants
Our locations
From complex knee surgery to diagnostic test and arthroscopic procedures, we provide exceptional knee injury care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Request a knee appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced knee consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344