A dislocated kneecap (patella) happens when the kneecap slides out of place. The health care provider made sure your child's knee is back in the right position. This may have happened on its own, but if it didn't, the health care provider moved it back. Your child will need to rest the knee and do strengthening exercises (usually with a physical therapist). Most kids are back to all activities and sports within about 6 weeks, but sometimes it takes longer. Rarely, surgery is needed. 

To rest the knee, your child should:

• Avoid activities that cause pain, such as walking, standing, and bending.
• Wear the knee immobilizer and use crutches as instructed by the health care provider.

For pain and swelling your child can:

• Take ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) or naproxen (Aleve^®, Naprosyn^®, or store brand) for pain. Follow the directions on the label for how much they should take and how often. Your child should only need the medicine for about 2–3 days.
• Put ice wrapped in a towel on the knee for about 20 minutes several times a day. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
• Raise the knee above heart level when sitting or lying down.

Follow your health care provider's advice for:

• Any strengthening and stretching exercises your child should do.
• Whether your child should see an orthopedic provider (bone specialist) and/or a physical therapist.
• When your child should follow up (usually in 2–3 days).
• How long your child needs to rest the knee, wear the brace, and use crutches.
• When your child can go back to sports and whether they need to wear the brace while playing sports.

• The kneecap becomes dislocated again.
• Your child has pain for more than a few days.

How does a kneecap dislocation happen? In kids, it usually happens when the foot is planted and the knee twists (for example, while doing a dance move or swinging a bat). Less often it happens from a direct hit to the kneecap.

Dislocated kneecaps happen most often in teens and young adults, especially those who:

• are active in sports, such as soccer, ice hockey, dance, weightlifting, and gymnastics
• are tall males who carry extra weight
• have a kneecap that is held in place more loosely than normal (called an unstable kneecap)

Could my child get a dislocated kneecap again? It can happen again, especially if your child has an unstable kneecap. To prevent another dislocated kneecap, it may help to be sure your child:

• is fully recovered from the dislocated kneecap before going back to full activities
• continues any strengthening exercises
• wears the right protective gear during practice and competition (such as shin guards or knee pads)
• wears the knee brace as instructed
• warms up before sports activities
• is active year-round, which will help their knees and the rest of their body stay in good shape