Dislocated patella primary prevention

The patella is a floating sesamoid bone that is held in place by the quadriceps muscle tendon and patellar tendon ligament. Exercises should include strengthening quadriceps muscles such as rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis. However, tight and strong lateral quadriceps can be an underlying cause of a patella dislocation. If this is the underlying cause it is recommended to strengthen the medial quadriceps, vastus medialis (VMO), and stretch the lateral muscles.^[1] Exercises to strengthen quadriceps muscles include but not limited to, squats, and lunges. Adding extra external support around the knee by using devices such as knee orthotics or athletic tape can help prevent patellar dislocation and other knee related injuries.^[2] External support such as braces and applying athletic tape work by providing movement in only desired planes and helps hinder movements that cause abnormal movement and potentially cause injuries. Women who wear high heels tend to develop short calf muscles and tendons. Exercises to stretch and strengthen calf muscles are recommended on a daily basis.^[3]

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