Can I have both knees done at once?

Generally, no. Because you need one 'strong' leg to mobilise and perform rehab, we recommend staging the surgeries at least 4-6 months apart.

Yes. MPFL reconstruction involves 2-3 small incisions. Bony realignment requires a single vertical incision (approx. 5-8cm) on the front of the shin.

Do the screws need to be removed?

In most cases, the screws stay in forever. If they become prominent or irritate you once the bone has healed (after 1 year), they can be removed in a quick 20-minute procedure.

When can I return to football or netball?

Usually at the 6-month mark. You must pass a 'functional assessment' with our physio to ensure your muscle strength is sufficient to protect the joint.

Does it matter that I'm hypermobile?

Yes. Patients with Ehlers-Danlos or general laxity often need a more robust surgical approach, as their natural ligaments are 'stretchy'.

Is the surgery painful?

You are asleep during the procedure. Afterwards, we use local anaesthetic blocks to keep you comfortable. Most patients manage well with standard oral painkillers at home.

Will I need to wear a brace forever?

No. The brace is typically worn for the first 6 weeks only. After that, your muscles take over the job of stabilising the joint.

What happens if I don't have surgery?

Every time the kneecap dislocates, it shears off a small piece of cartilage. Over time, this leads to early-onset arthritis and chronic pain.

How soon can I walk after surgery?

You will be encouraged to stand and walk with crutches on the day of surgery or the following morning.

Is this procedure available on insurance?

Yes, patella stabilisation is a standard procedure covered by all major private health insurance providers (Bupa, AXA, Aviva, etc.).

Home Treatments Orthopaedic SurgeryPatella Stabilisation

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Patella Stabilisation Surgery in Rotherham

CQC Good RatedConsultant-Led CareAll-Inclusive PricingNo GP Referral0% Finance Available

For many patients, a single dislocation leads to a cycle of 'giving way' and fear of movement. At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, we specialise in advanced patella stabilisation techniques for patients across Rotherham and the North of England.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17

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Patella stabilisation is a surgical procedure (or group of procedures) designed to prevent the kneecap from slipping out of its groove. By reconstructing damaged ligaments or realigning the bone, surgeons restore the mechanical tracking of the knee, eliminating recurrent dislocations and protecting the joint from long-term cartilage damage. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive patella stabilisation surgery services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that knee-surgery conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Is Surgery Right for You?

We typically recommend surgery for patients who:
• Have experienced two or more full dislocations.
• Have 'failed' a structured 3-6 month physiotherapy programme.
• Have significant 'bone-on-bone' clicking or mechanical catching.
• Have anatomical factors (like high patella or shallow groove) that make natural healing unlikely.

Fixed-Price Stabilisation

All-inclusive surgical packages with no hidden extras
Includes initial consultation and diagnostic imaging
Covers all hospital fees, surgeon fees, and anaesthesia
Post-operative knee brace and crutches provided
Follow-up appointments and wound care included

Why Does the Kneecap Become Unstable?

Stability of the kneecap relies on a 'belt and braces' approach. The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) acts as the primary soft-tissue tether on the inside of the knee. If this is stretched or torn, the kneecap can drift outward.

In some cases, the underlying bone structure - the trochlear groove - is too shallow (dysplasia), or the kneecap sits too high (patella alta). During your consultation at Kinvara, we use X-rays and MRI scans to measure these anatomical variations, ensuring we address the 'mechanical' root cause of your instability rather than just the symptoms.

At a Glance

Surgery Time

60 - 90 Minutes

Anaesthetic

General Anaesthetic

Hospital Stay

Day Case or 1 Night

Stability Rate

90% - 95% Success

Technique

Ligament or Bony Repair

Back to Sport

6 Months

Benefits of This Procedure

Permanently reduces the risk of future kneecap dislocations
Restores confidence in the knee during sports and daily activity
Prevents long-term 'wear and tear' damage to the joint cartilage
Improves 'tracking' to reduce chronic anterior knee pain
Minimally invasive keyhole techniques used where possible
Personalised rehabilitation plans focused on return to play

The Procedure

Our surgeons use two primary methods depending on your specific anatomy.

1
MPFL Reconstruction: A small piece of your own hamstring tendon is used to create a new ligament on the inside of the knee.
2
This new ligament is secured to the kneecap and the thighbone using tiny bone anchors or screws.
3
Tibial Tubercle Transfer: If the bone alignment is the issue, the bony lump on your shin is moved inward.
4
The bone is repositioned by roughly 1cm and fixed securely with 2-3 medical-grade screws.
5
An arthroscopy (keyhole) is often performed simultaneously to check the 'tracking' on a monitor.
6
The incisions are closed, and a hinged knee brace is often applied to protect the repair.

The Path to a Stable Knee

Recovery Timeline

0 - 2 Weeks

Wound healing phase. You will likely use crutches and a hinged brace. Focus on icing and elevation.

2 - 6 Weeks

Mobility phase. Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. You transition from crutches to walking unaided.

3 Months

Strengthening phase. Focus on 'VMO' (quadriceps) activation and balance. Jogging usually starts here.

6 Months

Full Activity. Return to contact sports and pivoting activities once strength matches the other leg.

Key Recovery Points

You cannot drive for at least 6 weeks (especially for the right leg or manual cars)
Dedicated physiotherapy is the most important factor in a successful outcome
Expect some numbness around the surgical scars; this is normal and usually fades
Swelling can persist for several months following bony realignment surgery

Risks & Considerations

Complications are rare, but it is important to be aware of:

Recurrence

Low

A 5-10% risk that the kneecap could dislocate again if a new injury occurs.

Stiffness

Low

Scar tissue can sometimes limit how far you can bend the knee.

Nerve Numbness

Common

Small patches of skin numbness around the incision sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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