Living with Congenital patella dislocation
A rare limb condition present from birth in which the kneecap is permanently out of place.
Understanding Congenital patella dislocation
The kneecap cannot be moved back into place by hand. The knee is often bent and cannot fully straighten, and may be knock-kneed. The groove in the thigh bone where the kneecap sits can be shallow or missing. It can affect one or both knees, and can occur alone, with other leg differences, or as part of a syndrome.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Dislocated kneecap (patellar dislocation)
- Knee that cannot fully straighten
- Knock knees (genu valgum)
- Abnormal walking (gait disturbance)
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene.
Also known as: congenital dislocation of patella
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital patella dislocation.
Explore research for Congenital patella dislocation
Explore actively recruiting Congenital patella dislocation studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital patella dislocation with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Congenital patella dislocation studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Congenital patella dislocation
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Congenital patella dislocation experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.