Kneecap (patella) stabilisation

• Surgery for repeated kneecap dislocation or ongoing instability
• Usually offered after physiotherapy hasn’t settled symptoms
• Procedures may include MPFL reconstruction or bony realignment
• The type of surgery depends on your anatomy and the pattern of instability
• Typically a planned surgery rather than emergency treatment
• Recovery includes a structured rehabilitation programme with physiotherapy

What is patella stabilisation surgery?

Patella stabilisation surgery is a type of knee surgery that improves how the kneecap moves and sits within the joint. By restoring better alignment and control, it helps the kneecap move more smoothly and improves stability, reducing the risk of further dislocations.

Depending on the cause of instability, this may involve strengthening soft tissues, adjusting bone position or reshaping part of the knee.

At OS Clinic, we start by understanding what’s causing your kneecap to feel unstable. The surgery is tailored to those findings and may involve repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments or adjusting how the kneecap sits within the knee.

Types of patella stabilisation surgery

The type of surgery recommended depends on why your kneecap is unstable. Some people have ligament damage, while others have differences in bone shape or alignment. Sometimes more than one issue is involved.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction

The MPFL is a strong band of tissue on the inner side of the knee. It helps stop the kneecap from slipping outwards.

If this ligament has been stretched or torn during a dislocation, it may no longer support the kneecap properly. 

MPFL reconstruction involves creating a new ligament to restore stability and reduce the risk of further dislocations. It’s most often considered after more than one dislocation. The surgery usually uses a tendon from your own hamstring and is done using small incisions.

Recovery involves a period in a brace followed by structured physiotherapy. Most people can return to running at around three to four months, though higher-demand sports take longer, depending on your personal recovery.

Bony realignment surgery

In some cases, kneecap instability is linked to how the bones are positioned, rather than ligament damage alone. This can include a kneecap that sits higher than usual or pulls too far to one side.

Bony realignment surgery involves carefully repositioning the attachment point of the kneecap tendon so the kneecap stays more centrally within the knee. This is planned using detailed imaging scans before surgery.

Most people go home the next day wearing a knee brace. Weight bearing is introduced in stages, while the brace is gradually reduced as strength and control improve.

Is patella stabilisation surgery right for me?

Patella stabilisation surgery isn’t needed for everyone with kneecap pain or instability. Many people improve with physiotherapy alone, particularly after a first dislocation.

However, surgery may be considered if:

• Your kneecap has dislocated more than once
• Your knee feels unstable or gives way regularly
• You avoid certain activities because you don’t trust your knee
• A structured physiotherapy programme hasn’t improved your symptoms

At OS Clinic, your consultant will assess how your knee moves, review any imaging results and talk through how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Together, you’ll look at the likely benefits, risks and alternatives before deciding whether surgery is the right next step for you.

Benefits of patella stabilisation surgery

For people with ongoing kneecap instability, patella stabilisation surgery can offer meaningful improvements in day-to-day comfort.

Potential benefits include:

• Fewer or no further kneecap dislocations
• Improved stability during walking, stairs and sports
• Reduced pain linked to repeated slipping of the kneecap
• Greater confidence in the knee and less fear of it giving way
• Protection of the joint from further damage over time

It’s important to remember that outcomes vary. Surgery aims to improve stability, but recovery takes time and commitment to rehabilitation.

What happens during patella stabilisation surgery?

Patella stabilisation surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. This means you’ll be asleep and won’t feel pain during the procedure.

The exact procedure depends on the cause of your kneecap instability and will have been discussed with you beforehand.

During surgery, your consultant addresses the structures contributing to instability. This may involve reconstructing damaged ligaments, adjusting bone alignment or reshaping the groove the kneecap sits in. Some procedures are done using keyhole techniques, while others need a small open incision.

Most people stay in the hospital overnight. Usually, you’ll start moving the knee soon after surgery, with support from physiotherapy and a clear rehabilitation plan tailored to your procedure.

Results and recovery

Recovery after patella stabilisation surgery takes time and varies depending on the type of procedure you’ve had. Your consultant will explain what to expect based on your surgery and your starting point.

In the early weeks, the focus is on protecting the knee while restoring movement and control. You may need crutches or a brace for a short period. Physiotherapy plays a central role, helping you rebuild strength and coordination in the knee.

Many people return to normal daily activities within a few months. Higher-impact sports usually take longer and are guided by how well the knee is recovering rather than a fixed date.

Your consultant and physiotherapy team will review your progress and adjust your rehabilitation plan as you recover.