Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

It can. About one in three teens dislocate the same kneecap again.

The chance is higher in teens who are still growing and in teens whose knee is shaped so the kneecap slips out more easily, for example a shallow groove for the kneecap at the end of the thighbone or a kneecap that sits high. With several of these together, most teens have it happen again.

Kneecap dislocation is more common in girls. Loose, very flexible joints make it more likely, and loose joints are more common in girls. Knock knees, wider hips and a thighbone that is turned inward are also thought to play a part, but the research on these is weaker.

After the kneecap is back in place, an X-ray checks for a broken piece of bone. An MRI may also be done, because it can show damage to the cartilage that an X-ray misses. A loose piece of bone or cartilage may need surgery through small cuts with a camera (arthroscopy) to fix it or take it out.

Most first dislocations are treated without surgery. A brace is usually worn for a few weeks, sometimes with crutches at first, followed by physical therapy to strengthen the thigh. A brace that stops the knee from bending does not lower the chance of another dislocation, and it can cause stiffness and thigh weakness. Strengthening helps recovery, but it has not been proven to prevent another dislocation. Most teens return to sports within a few weeks to 3 months, once the knee moves fully, the thigh is strong again and the teen feels confident.

Surgery is considered when the kneecap keeps dislocating, when a loose piece needs to be fixed, and sometimes after a first dislocation in teens with a high chance of it happening again. Surgery can lower the chance of another dislocation.

In general:

  • Have your teen seen by a doctor after any kneecap dislocation, even if it went back in by itself.
  • Ask whether an MRI is needed to look for a loose piece of bone or cartilage.
  • Ask whether the shape of your teen’s knee raises the chance of it happening again, since that helps decide whether surgery is worth considering.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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