What is Knee Dislocation?
Knee dislocation is a severe injury that occurs when the bones that form the knee joint (the femur and the tibia) are displaced from their normal alignment. This can happen due to high-impact trauma, such as in sports injuries, car accidents, or falls. Signs and symptoms of a knee dislocation include intense pain, visible deformity of the knee, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. It's a medical emergency that requires prompt attention to avoid complications such as damage to the blood vessels and nerves around the knee.
Physical Therapy for Knee Dislocation
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the recovery process after a knee dislocation, especially once the initial emergency treatment and any necessary surgical interventions have been completed. The goals of physical therapy include reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion, and strengthening the muscles around the knee to provide stability and prevent future dislocations. Evidence-based treatment approaches may include gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressive strengthening exercises, balance and proprioception training, and functional training to gradually return to normal activities. The physical therapist will tailor the rehabilitation program to the individual's specific needs, taking into account the severity of the injury and any associated ligament or cartilage damage. Education on proper knee mechanics and injury prevention strategies is also an important component of the therapy process.