Barrett S. Brown, MD

7401 Main St, Houston, TX 77030

Call Now : (346) 247-2531
Request An Appointment

Kneecap Dislocation Treatment in Houston, TX

Living with a kneecap dislocation can make you more aware of your knee’s instability. A dislocated kneecap also can injure the supporting ligaments and increase the risk of recurrent dislocations, cartilage damage and arthritis. 

Dr. Barrett S. Brown, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Houston, offers comprehensive treatment for kneecap dislocations to help break the cycle of instability. Scheduling a comprehensive knee evaluation can help you determine your next steps. 

Call Now : (346) 247-2531

Request An Appointment

    What Is Kneecap Dislocation?

    A kneecap dislocation (patellar instability) occurs when the patella slips out of its groove, tearing the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) that keeps it in place. 

    Kneecap dislocation symptoms include:

    • Visible deformity

    • Swelling and bruising

    • A “popping” sensation or sound

    • Buckling or giving way

    • Tenderness 

    Some people are more prone to recurrent instability due to having a shallow trochlear groove or ligament laxity. 

    Patellofemoral Instability Treatment

    Why You Need a Specialist for Patellar Dislocation

    Popping your kneecap back in place isn’t a cure. Without proper treatment, loose cartilage fragments can damage the joint, increasing the risk of early osteoarthritis. 

    That’s why you need an expert at your side. Dr. Brown is a recognized knee specialist in Houston who goes beyond quick, ER fixes. He focuses on finding the root cause of the instability, whether it’s a torn MPFL, cartilage injury or alignment issue.

    Precise diagnosis with MRI and X-rays helps detect the specific damage that needs to be addressed. 

    Nonsurgical Treatment Options

    Not every kneecap dislocation requires surgery, especially for a first-time dislocation. Often, full recovery is achievable through conservative care:

    • Bracing can allow the ligaments to heal naturally.

    • Physical therapy can help guide the kneecap back in place.

    • Resting, using ice on the affected area and medication can help speed up the recovery process.

    An inspection by Dr. Brown will determine whether nonsurgical patellar dislocation treatments will be effective for you. 

    Questions About Kneecap Dislocation Treatment in Houston, TX?

    Call Now : (346) 247-2531
    Request An Appointment

    Advanced Surgical Solutions for Recurrent Instability

    Surgery can be an option when dislocations recur, when loose bone fragments threaten joint health or when rehabilitation fails to restore stability. Dr. Brown specializes in MPFL reconstruction in Houston, a procedure that uses a graft to rebuild the ligament. Unlike simple repairs, reconstruction delivers excellent long-term outcomes with low rates of redislocation. 

    Other kneecap dislocation treatments may include lateral release, releasing tight ligaments on the outside of the knee, or tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), moving the bony bump below the kneecap to a more central position. 

    These procedures are often completed with minimally invasive arthroscopy, minimizing scarring and recovery time. 

    Recovery and Returning to Sports

    Recovery timelines vary. Nonsurgical approaches generally see improvements over a matter of weeks, while MPFL reconstruction involves months of guided rehabilitation. Dr. Brown and his team will guide you through every stage of the process, from restoring motion to improving muscle strength. 

    What Our Patients Are Saying

    From appointment scheduling, receptionist, nurse, xray to Dr. Barrett Brown, all friendly and professional. Thank God that Dr. Brown wants to try physical therapy instead of jumping to surgery. I am well pleased!!
    Shelia Briggs

    Shelia Briggs

    Dr Brown was very professional and explained everything. He helped me with decisions of my care. Highly recommend him.
    Cathy Arroyo

    Cathy Arroyo

    I had the best experience with Doctor Brown and staff They are so Thorough and nice. He did amazing job on my shoulder I would recommend him And his staff any day thank you so much Doctor Brown.
    Karen Larocca

    Karen Larocca

    Dr. Barrett Brown is a very fine physician. He is also a friend. While he is a surgeon he said this about my horribly painful shoulder. First we will try an injection performed by our specialist using ultra sound. (It was painless.) If that does not relieve your pain we will do a cat scan to evaluate the rotator cuff.
    Lynn Russell

    Lynn Russell

    Highly recommend Dr Brown!!! He took time to answer all questions without rushing. I called his office in severe pain and received the in- office MRI and Dr appt the next day then Dr Brown explained my condition and I was booked for surgery with their on-site hospital days later. The surgery went great and I was treated great by all staff. They have valet service as well. Thanks Dr Brown and all staff!!!
    Kimberley Gomez

    Kimberley Gomez

    I had the best experience with Doctor Brown and staff They are so Thorough and nice. He did amazing job on my shoulder I would recommend him And his staff any day thank you so much Doctor Brown.
    Karen Larocca

    Karen Larocca

    I had a rotator cuff repair with Dr. Brown. Everyone at this hospital from the registration staff, pre-op nurse, surgery staff, recovery room nurse, the anesthesiologist, and of course, the surgeon, Dr. Brown were all professional and caring.
    Mary Isern

    Mary Isern

    I have, unfortunately, been a frequent visitor to the Fondren Orthopedic clinic as I cannot seem to stay on my feet 😅. My most recent experience with Dr. Brown has been nothing short of excellent. From the initial exam to surgery and then the follow up and discussion of how I am healing have been extremely thorough and communication has been a 10. I would definitely recommend.
    Jenna Hunter

    Jenna Hunter

    Read All Reviews
    Write A Review

    Schedule Your Knee Evaluation in Houston Today

    Move forward with expert care. Book a consultation with Dr. Brown today and take advantage of his 18+ years of medical experience. As a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a part of Fondren Orthopedic Group, you know you’re in good hands. 

    Call Dr. Brown’s office at 346-247-2531 for comprehensive patellar dislocation treatment.