What damage can a dislocated kneecap do?
A dislocation can cause other problems even if the bone pops back into place.
If the dislocation was due to weak thigh muscles or a problem with the alignment or structure of the knee bones, the knee may dislocate again.
Ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage in or around the joint may stretch or tear.
A piece of bone may break off somewhere in the knee joint.