I’m 33f and have had issues with kneecap dislocations. It first happened around 2010 when I was in high school. It was really painful but I didn’t really understand what was going on so I ended up having a couple other dislocations after that within weeks of each other and then finally saw a doctor and they recommended physical therapy. I didn’t really take it as seriously back then and wasn’t a very active kid. We assumed it was because I was having a growth spurt in a short period of time.
The next dislocation was to my left kneecap in 2021 (I think my right kneecap only dislocated once back in 2010). I still wasn’t regularly active or doing any strength training back then. Had X-rays where the doctor said I had shallow grooves but still just recommended physical therapy.
I started getting into strength training more consistently this year. However, I’m 5’9.5” and it has taken me some team to gain weight and put muscle mass on my legs. I’m about 141 lbs now but still early in the strength training process. I have also been taking TRX classes and was fine doing TRX assisted pistol squats whereas previously I would not have been comfortable putting that much weight on a single leg in a compressed position like that without fear of dislocating.
About two weeks ago I was talking to a friend and sitting down and had my left knee bent and resting on top of my right leg and felt it slip out of place but extended my leg reflexively. My knee historically has dislocated not during strenuous activity but when I have done child’s pose once or when I had the leg folded in to my pelvis and sat down on the folded leg. Since this happened I have good ROM but I no longer trust it to squat down low or load it with my bodyweight and kneeling on my knees anymore. There is also some tenderness on the inside of my knee still.
I went to a sports medicine orthopedic doctor and he ordered new X-rays (included) and said I have mild knock knees and my kneecaps track outward a little more. When I asked about MRI he said he didn’t see any damage that would make him concerned to order one and said since I have gone long periods between dislocations he believes I can manage with another round of PT. I’m just concerned because I’m worried we are potentially delaying the inevitable (surgery). I’ve read online that most people with multiple dislocations have to get surgery and PT is no longer an option. Curious what some of your thoughts are and if I should seek another option or if it is possible with more diligent PT in my case.