Overview
Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral, is a rare condition present from birth in which both kneecaps (patellae) are permanently displaced from their normal position. In a healthy knee, the kneecap sits in a groove at the front of the thighbone (femur) and glides smoothly when the knee bends and straightens. In this condition, both kneecaps are dislocated — usually shifted to the outer side of the knee — from the time the baby is born. This is different from kneecap dislocations that happen later in life due to injury. This condition can cause difficulty with walking, knee instability, limited range of motion, and pain. Children may have trouble straightening their legs fully, and the knees may appear abnormal in shape. Over time, the abnormal positioning of the kneecap can lead to wear and tear on the knee joint and early arthritis if not treated. Note that this specific Orphanet entry (295237) is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it may have been reclassified or merged into a broader category of congenital knee or patella abnormalities. Patients and families should work with their doctors to determine the most current classification for their condition. Treatment typically involves surgical correction to reposition the kneecap and realign the structures around the knee. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery. Early intervention in childhood generally leads to better outcomes for knee function.
Key symptoms:
Kneecaps visibly out of place on both knees from birthDifficulty straightening the knees fullyKnee instability or feeling that the knee gives wayLimited range of motion in the kneesKnee pain, especially with activityDifficulty walking or delayed walking milestonesAbnormal gait or walking patternSwelling around the knee jointsKnees that look different in shape or alignmentMuscle weakness in the thighsStiffness in the knee jointsEarly-onset knee arthritis if untreated
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's condition isolated or part of a broader genetic syndrome?,What is the best age for surgical correction?,What type of surgery do you recommend, and what are the risks?,How long will recovery take, and what will physical therapy involve?,Will my child need additional surgeries as they grow?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and what would the results mean for future children?,What activities should my child avoid before and after surgery?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral?
Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral, is a rare condition present from birth in which both kneecaps (patellae) are permanently displaced from their normal position. In a healthy knee, the kneecap sits in a groove at the front of the thighbone (femur) and glides smoothly when the knee bends and straightens. In this condition, both kneecaps are dislocated — usually shifted to the outer side of the knee — from the time the baby is born. This is different from kneecap dislocations that happen later in life due to injury. This condition can cause difficulty with walking, knee instability, lim
At what age does OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.