Overview
Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral, refers to a condition present at birth where the kneecap (patella) on one side is permanently displaced from its normal position in the groove at the front of the knee. This entry in the Orphanet classification system is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader or updated disease category. The condition itself involves the kneecap sitting outside its normal track, typically shifted to the outer side of the knee. This happens because of abnormal development of the knee joint structures before birth. Babies born with this condition may have difficulty straightening the affected leg, and the knee may appear abnormal in shape. As the child grows, walking and movement can be affected. The kneecap dislocation can lead to difficulty bending and extending the knee, limping, and eventually knee pain or instability. In some cases, the condition is part of a broader syndrome involving other skeletal or connective tissue abnormalities. Treatment typically involves surgery to reposition the kneecap and realign the structures that hold it in place. Physical therapy is important after surgery to restore strength and range of motion. Early diagnosis and treatment generally lead to better outcomes for knee function. Because this Orphanet entry is obsolete, patients and families should look for updated classifications, such as 'congenital dislocation of the patella' more broadly, when searching for current medical information and support resources.
Key symptoms:
Kneecap visibly out of place on one sideDifficulty straightening the affected kneeLimping or abnormal walking patternKnee stiffnessKnee instability or giving wayReduced range of motion in the kneeKnee pain, especially with activityMuscle weakness in the thigh on the affected sideAbnormal appearance of the kneeDifficulty running or climbing stairs
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, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral.
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, unilateral.
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 kneecap dislocation isolated or could it be part of a broader genetic condition?,What type of surgery is recommended and what are the risks?,What is the expected recovery time after surgery?,Will my child be able to participate in sports and normal physical activities after treatment?,Should genetic testing be done to look for an underlying cause?,How often will follow-up visits be needed after surgery?,Are there any long-term complications I should watch for?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral?
Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral, refers to a condition present at birth where the kneecap (patella) on one side is permanently displaced from its normal position in the groove at the front of the knee. This entry in the Orphanet classification system is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader or updated disease category. The condition itself involves the kneecap sitting outside its normal track, typically shifted to the outer side of the knee. This happens because of abnormal development of the knee joint structures before birth. Babies born w
At what age does OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Congenital patella dislocation, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.