This is when your knee cap comes out of joint
Healing:
It can take approximately 6 weeks for this injury to heal.
Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your injury heals. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.
Pain and swelling:
Your knee will be swollen and you will have some pain. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
Taking pain medication, elevating your knee and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is on the next page.
It is normal to have mild pain and swelling for 3-6 months.
Walking and your brace:
The knee brace is for comfort. You can remove it to wash the leg.
You are allowed to put weight through your leg. You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.
Follow up:
A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. You will be referred to our Physiotherapy Team and will be contacted by them directly.
Any questions:
If you are concerned about your symptoms, unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or have pain other than at your knee, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.
Caring for your injury
Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your knee for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
Try to rest your knee, especially in the first 24-72 hours. Raise your leg on a stool or cushions to that it is above the level of your hip. This will help to reduce your swelling.
Caring for your injury: exercises
Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot). If you notice any swelling or redness in the calf, please attend A&E.
Do these exercises 3-4 times a day. Start straight away, you do not need to push into pain.
Ankle Exercises
Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.
Static Quadriceps Exercise
Rest with your leg supported and straight. Gently tense the muscles in your thigh and try to straighten your knee further. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 7-10 times.
Knee Flexion and Extension
Sit or lie with your legs outstretched.
Bend and straighten your injured leg. Go as far as your brace allows.
Repeat 7-10 times.
Seated knee flexion and extension
When you can do the first knee bending exercise easily, you can progress to this exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start driving?
You can return to driving when:
- You are no longer using your brace
- You can walk comfortably
- You can perform an emergency stop pain free
Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.
How can I get a certificate for work?
You can self-certify for the first 7 days following your injury. For any longer periods, please discuss the provision of a fitness to work statement with the Virtual Fracture Clinic Team or your GP.
What do I do with my brace and crutches when I no longer need them?
We are not able to use brace again. These should not be returned to the hospital.
Crutches can be returned to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.
Some pictures and content produced by Brighton and Sussex University Hospital and shared with permission.
Contact Details for Bedford and Luton
Please contact the hospital where you attended A&E as the other site will not be able to access your notes
BEDFORD HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01234 792036
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCBedford@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01234 792138
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01234 792031
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)
LUTON & DUNSTABLE HOSPITAL PATIENTS
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)
- Telephone 01582 718121
- Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
- Email VFCLuton@ldh.nhs.uk
How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?
- Telephone 01582 497194 or 01582 718 993 (outpatient appointments)
How do I contact the Plaster Room?
- Telephone 01582 491166 (ext. 2233)
- Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)