It can happen through trauma to your leg, like from falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. A dislocated knee is different than a dislocated kneecap. That occurs when the kneecap bone slips out of place. It can happen when a sudden change of direction or blow occurs while your foot is planted on the ground.

What can cause a knee to dislocate?

Knee dislocations are often the result of a high-impact injury such as an automobile crash, severe fall, and sports injuries. A knee dislocation should not be confused with a subluxation, a partial dislocation in which the knee "gives out" due to a damaged ligament.

How bad does it hurt to dislocate your knee?

A dislocated knee will always cause severe pain in the knee. The knee will look deformed. Sometimes, there will be no feeling below the knee. If the knee relocates, it will become swollen from fluid in the knee and be painful with any movement.