Common Symptoms

Sudden lateral displacement of the kneecap during twisting or contact
Acute medial peripatellar pain from medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) disruption
Significant knee swelling developing rapidly after the event
Apprehension and fear of re-dislocation with lateral patellar pressure
Tenderness over the medial patellar border and femoral attachment of the MPFL
Visible or palpable patellar malalignment in the acute setting

Knee Patellar Dislocation MRI Signs: MPFL Tear and Instability

Review knee patellar dislocation MRI signs, MPFL tear, bone bruising, osteochondral defects, trochlear dysplasia, patellar tilt, and privacy-first AI imaging support.

Patellar dislocation occurs when the patella displaces laterally out of the trochlear groove, most commonly during pivoting or twisting movements. It is frequently associated with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tears, trochlear dysplasia, and characteristic bone bruise patterns. Our AI consortium analyzes patellar tracking, MPFL integrity, trochlear morphology, and associated osteochondral injuries across multiple MRI sequences. The multi-model approach helps identify predisposing anatomical factors and assess the risk of recurrent dislocation to guide surgical versus conservative management.

The highest-yield MRI questions are whether the MPFL is torn, whether there is a medial patellar facet or lateral femoral condyle bone bruise, and whether a loose osteochondral fragment is present. For broader knee scan orientation, compare this page with the knee MRI reading guide.

What We Look For on Imaging

Bone bruise on the medial patellar facet and lateral femoral condyle
MPFL tear or avulsion at the patellar or femoral attachment
Trochlear dysplasia with shallow or flat trochlear groove
Lateral patellar tilt or subluxation on axial images
Osteochondral fracture fragments or loose bodies within the joint
Joint effusion and hemarthrosis following acute dislocation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AI detect MPFL tears after patellar dislocation?

Yes. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary restraint against lateral patellar displacement and tears in nearly all first-time dislocations. The AI consortium evaluates axial PD-FS sequences for MPFL fiber disruption, edema, and the location of tears — femoral origin, midsubstance, or patellar attachment.

What MRI findings suggest high risk of recurrent patellar dislocation?

Structural risk factors including trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and increased tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance are associated with recurrent instability. The AI consortium identifies these morphological features alongside acute injury findings to provide a comprehensive instability risk profile for informational purposes.

Are osteochondral injuries detectable after patellar dislocation?

Yes. Lateral femoral condyle and medial patellar facet osteochondral injuries occur in approximately 40% of first-time dislocations. The AI consortium evaluates T2 and PD-FS sequences for chondral defects, loose body formation, and subchondral impaction that may influence surgical versus conservative management decisions.

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How to Read a Knee MRI: A Patient's Guide

Learn to understand your knee MRI report, common sequences, and what key findings mean for your diagnosis.

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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI-generated analysis may contain errors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. Full Disclaimer