What Causes Knee Cap Instability?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 9 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My knee was recently treated for cellulitis which I did not have and it was bruised and swollen and all that but now when I extend my knee and bend it just a little it clicks on the inside not the outer side the outer side feels like it shifted out of place as if my kneecap were turn about 25-30° to the right towards the inside of my leg I've been told I need a mri but have yet to recieve one as they are in high demand and expensive. I have insurance that's not the problem. But I also feel very difficult to bear weight if I try to stand on it the knee buckles and my weight is left to my other leg and I have to grab something . Any ideas about what the problem is?? I've been x rayed twice nothing's broken. Also I'm quite obese looking to drop some weight as well. But I just need the knee question answered . Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: This is MPFL injury Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I think you are having knee cap instability due to ligament injury. This ligament is called as MPFL . This helps in keeping knee cap in center of the knee. It can be weak since birth and can be broken with a slightest fall.This injury is more common as you are saying that you are obese. If on MRI diagnosis is confirmed then you will need a surgery to repair this ligament. I hope this answer your query. Let me know if i missed some thing. I will try to solve your problem. Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj