Patellofemoral Instability & Realignment Surgery in Dubai
Patellar Dislocation, MPFL Reconstruction, and Alignment Correction (TTO)
If your kneecap (patella) keeps slipping, dislocates during sport, or you feel your knee is unstable on stairs, pivoting, or squatting, you may be dealing with patellofemoral instability. For many active patients, especially athletes, the key is a clear diagnosis and a plan that reduces re-dislocation risk and restores confidence in the knee.
I’m Dr Tomislav Cerovecki (“Tomislav”), an orthopaedic surgeon with a strong focus on sports injuries and knee conditions at Tadawi Hospital, Al Garhoud, Dubai.
If you already have an MRI, you can book a consult for an MRI review and a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy, sport, and goals.
Who This Service Is For?
This service is commonly relevant if you:
• Had a patellar (kneecap) dislocation during sport or daily activity
• Have recurrent dislocations or repeated “giving way” episodes
• Feel your kneecap is tracking “off” or shifting when you bend the knee
• Have swelling after an injury and fear returning to sport
• Were told you may need MPFL reconstruction or realignment surgery (TTO)
• Want a second opinion before deciding on surgery
what patients feel?
Common symptoms
of patellofemoral instability
People describe:
• A kneecap that “slips” or “jumps” sideways
• Fear of pivoting, running, or changing direction
• Pain at the front of the knee (around the kneecap), especially on stairs
• Swelling after a dislocation
• Clicking/popping (not always present)
• Reduced trust in the knee when returning to sport
Red flags: when to seek urgent assessment
Seek medical evaluation promptly if:
• The kneecap is dislocated and won’t go back
• You cannot bear weight
• The knee is very swollen after injury
• There is numbness, severe pain, or obvious deformity
Why it happens? (simple explanation)
Patellar instability often comes from a combination of:
• Ligament injury after a first dislocation (especially MPFL injury)
• Alignment or bony anatomy factors (how the kneecap sits and tracks)
• Muscle control issues (hip and thigh strength, movement pattern)
• Sport demands (pivoting, contact, sudden direction changes)
That’s why “one-size-fits-all” treatment can fail. The right plan depends on your anatomy and your activity level.
How we diagnose it? (clear and practical)
A good plan begins with:
1. history (first dislocation vs recurrent, mechanism, sport goals)
2. clinical exam (stability, tracking, tenderness, range of motion)
3. imaging when needed:
• MRI to assess MPFL injury, cartilage injury, bone bruising
• X-rays / specific alignment views if required
• Measurements and alignment assessment for surgical planning in complex cases
MRI review in Dubai
If you already have an MRI (or report), bring it. An MRI report alone is not always enough—reviewing the images often clarifies the true pattern and best treatment.
Treatment options (from simplest to surgical)
Non-surgical treatment
(often after first dislocation)
For many first-time dislocations, treatment may include:
• Short-term protection and swelling control
• Guided physiotherapy (quadriceps + hip control, tracking mechanics)
• Return-to-sport criteria (strength, stability, functional tests)
This is especially appropriate when anatomy and stability look favorable.
When surgery is
considered?
Surgery may be discussed when:
• Dislocations are recurrent
• Instability persists despite proper rehab
• There is significant anatomical maltracking or alignment issue
• There are associated cartilage injuries that need management
• The patient’s sport demands high stability and rapid change of direction
Recovery and return to sport
(realistic expectations)
Recovery depends on the procedure(s) performed:
- Rehab is structured and progressive, pain/swelling control, mobility, strength, then sport-specific training.
- Return-to-sport is guided by functional readiness, not just time.
We will outline the expected - timeline and milestones after evaluating your case.
Surgical options: what they mean?
MPFL Reconstruction
(MPFL surgery)
The MPFL is a key stabilizing ligament that helps prevent the kneecap from slipping outward. After dislocation, it is often damaged.
MPFL reconstruction rebuilds this stabilizer to reduce the risk of repeat dislocation in appropriate candidates.
Tibial Tuberosity Osteotomy (TTO) / Realignment Surgery
In some patients, instability is driven by alignment or tracking mechanics. A TTO adjusts the position of the tibial tuberosity to improve tracking and reduce lateral pull forces—used selectively after careful assessment.
Complex realignment & patellofemoral alignment correction
Some cases involve multiple contributors (soft tissue + alignment + cartilage).
In these situations, a combined approach may be recommended—always individualized.
The goal is not “more surgery.” The goal is the right procedure for the right anatomy, so stability improves without overcorrection.
FAQ
Why Patients Choose Dr. Tomislav in Dubai?
• Clear explanations and practical plan (not confusing medical jargon)
• Sports-injury perspective: stability + function + return-to-activity
• Thorough assessment including MRI review when needed
• Option for orthopaedic second opinion before surgery decisions
• Care delivered in a reputable clinical environment at Tadawi Hospital
Book an appointment (Dubai / UAE / GCC)
If you’ve had a kneecap dislocation, repeated slipping, or persistent instability, book an evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and discuss your best treatment options.
Appointment options:
• Clinical assessment + sports-focused plan
• MRI review (bring images and report)
• Second opinion for MPFL/TTO recommendations