Let’s get one thing out of the way first. A knee dislocation is not the same as a kneecap dislocation.
A knee dislocation occurs when the thigh bone and shin bone are displaced. But, a kneecap dislocation happens when the patella – the triangular bone of your knee joint – moves out of place. It’s a common injury that also generally heals well.
With that said, the best knee brace for patellar dislocation should stabilize the knee cap while helping you get through the pain and swelling. It should have other features to aid your recovery process as well.
The variety of patella dislocation braces is overwhelming, so our team of physical therapists did the research for you.
They compiled this list of 9 knee braces for a dislocated kneecap, including different levels of support, a variety of materials, and budget-friendly options.
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Everything you need to keep your kneecap in place – a U-shaped buttress, compression, customizable straps, and added side stabilizers.
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve
This versatile sleeve is also a hot/cold pack. Its 360° of compression will reduce swelling, provide pain relief, and accelerate recovery like no other.
Best for Daily Use: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
A breathable and thin compression sleeve to manage mild patellar problems during your daily activities.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Ranking: best knee brace for patellar dislocation (dislocated knee cap)
1. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- U-shaped buttress for optimal patella stability.
- Compression like a sleeve.
- Side stays for added protection.
- Velcro straps for customization.
- Neoprene and latex-free.
Cons
- Somewhat bulky.
- Takes some practice to put on properly.
This is a hybrid with all the features that can help a dislocated kneecap.
Its U-shaped buttress will prevent the kneecap from dislocating. The sleeve-like compression helps with swelling and the side stays add another layer of protection.
This will be the best brace for a fresh kneecap subluxation. Or for people prone to this injury, like those with hypermobility.
One drawback is that it’s a little bulky, so it may be hard to wear under clothing. But it’s a small tradeoff for all the benefits it provides.
Material: Neoprene alternative, velcro, aluminum spiral stays.
Size: S-4XL.
Color options: Black.
2. Cocoon Hot and Cold Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- 360° of hot and cold therapy
- All the benefits of a compression sleeve
- More durable than average
- Insanely comfortable
- Wear on other joints too
Cons
- Pricey
- Only comes in blue
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is a compression sleeve with superpowers.
It’s filled with hydrogel, a material that retains temperatures. So, you’ll have hot and cold therapy in one place, plus all the benefits provided by normal sleeves.
This material also makes the Cocoons way more durable than average. It’s also antimicrobial – don’t worry about smelly sleeves again.
Yet, all these features show in the price tag. But this is a sleeve for the long term that you can wear on other joints too, so it’s worth every penny.
Material: Lycra, hydrogel.
Size: S, M, L.
Color options: Blue
3. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Compression to keep everything in place.
- Thin to wear under clothing.
- Extremely breathable.
- Won’t restrict movement.
- Doesn’t bunch up.
Cons
- Only 2 color options.
- No additional features.
The ArmaJoint sleeve is the best one for daily use.
Its uniform compression boosts blood flow, which is just what the doctor ordered for reducing pain and swelling.
This also helps your muscles react faster to keep your kneecap in place. So, this is the best sleeve for people wanting to prevent dislocation from happening in the first place. You can read our full review of the ArmaJoint here.
But it’s not the best for severe dislocations – it doesn’t have an open kneecap design. There are other options for that case further down.
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex.
Size: S-XL.
Color options: Black
4. Braceability Short Patellar Tracking Knee Brace
Pros
- Short – 6″ tall.
- Reversible buttress for customization.
- Sweat-resistant.
- Wide range of sizes available.
- Doesn’t restrict range of motion.
Cons
- Uncomfortable if worn for long periods.
- Not for wearing all day.
Hands down the best patellar dislocation brace to use while playing sports.
It’s very short, which provides as much freedom of movement as you can get while wearing a brace. Also, the fabric is breathable and resistant to sweat.
Yet, the best feature is its reversible buttress. This lets you customize for medial or lateral kneecap support.
Material: Neoprene alternative, rubber, medical-grade fasteners.
Size: S-4XL.
Color options: Black.
5. Braceability J Patella Knee Brace
Pros
- Reversible buttress for customization.
- Side stays for added stability.
- Customizable straps.
- Compression to manage swelling.
- For moderate-severe maltracking disorders.
Cons
- Not for playing sports.
- Not for people allergic to neoprene.
This is the best knee brace for people with severe patellar dislocation.
It has a reversible buttress like the previous brace, but it’s longer.
The neoprene fabric compresses the knee joint well, too. This is great for helping with inflammation and pain, although the skin may get sweaty at times.
And, the side supports add extra stability without restricting movement.
Material: Neoprene, velcro, side stays.
Size: S-4XL.
Color options: Black.
6. Shock Doctor 875 Maximum Support Compression Knee Brace
Severe patellar dislocations often involve injured ligaments. This Shock Doctor’s hinged brace will protect all of them, giving ample support to your knee joint injuries while they heal.
Comfort and Stability
The fabric has a snug fit that molds to your knee shape over time. The aluminum hinges are extremely reliable and you can remove them if you don’t need the extra support.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The latex-free fabric blend is particularly durable. Follow the washing instructions to prolong the quality of the threads.
Who this hinged brace is for
This works great if you have patellar dislocation with a moderate ligament injury – like a medial collateral ligament tear.
Who this hinged brace isn’t for
It might be excessive for a mild kneecap subluxation.
7. DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Knee Support Brace
This patella support brace is designed specifically for mild to moderate patellar dislocation. It’s so effective, doctors prescribe it to prevent future subluxations.
Comfort and Stability
The fabric offers a similar compression as neoprene, but it’s more breathable. The kneecap hole combined with the sturdy straps keeps the patella from dislocating.
It includes removable stabilizers as well. They add support to your knee joint if you have mild knee pain.
Size options: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The stitching is durable and high-quality. DonJoy recommends hand-washing it to prolong its life.
Who this knee brace is for
Works great for patellar dislocation and other kneecap-related problems. Like patellofemoral pain syndrome, or a patella tracking disorder.
It’s also resistant to daily wear and athletic activities.
Who this knee brace isn’t for
It’s probably not a good choice if you’re on a budget.
8. TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
Wraparound knee braces are versatile. They offer support, pain relief, and a nice level of customization. TechWare is no exception.
Comfort and Stability
This open-kneecap brace has three alternating straps. You can adjust how much compression you need, and they don’t pinch the backside of your knee.
It also has side stabilizers. Each one acts as a shock absorber – this is deeply appreciated during recovery, as it reduces the likelihood of having knee pain.
Size options: M, L, XL, 2XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The brace is well-constructed with its resistant neoprene and strong velcro. Solid at soothing a painful knee, too.
Who this wraparound brace is for
For aiding the healing process of a mild or moderate patellar dislocation.
Who this wraparound brace isn’t for
It takes some time to put on. Not the best brace if you’re running short on patience.
9. Nvorliy Hinged ROM Knee Brace
This knee brace has lateral hinges and a dial that limits the range of motion.
Comfort and Stability
This wraparound brace is made of neoprene. This is good and bad.
Good because it will reduce the swelling after surgery.
Bad because it’s not a rigid material. The hinges can move a little out of place, impairing their restriction capabilities.
All in all, it’s a fine, affordable option for adding more customized stabilization to your knees.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Color options: Black.
Durability and Quality
The hinges are sturdy, the neoprene is durable, and the velcro is particularly strong.
Who this brace is for
This is a fine brace for keeping the patella from dislocating in mild or moderate cases.
Who this brace isn’t for
Not for exercising – it slides down if you bend the knee too much.
Factors to consider when choosing the best knee brace for a dislocated kneecap
Comfort and Stability
These braces tend to have a snug fit. This is expected – it gives more support to the kneecap and manages swelling.
However, this means you must pay additional attention to the sizing. You don’t want knee braces that are too tight or too loose that you can’t wear them.
Durability and Quality
The truth is that having a previous dislocation on your kneecap increases your risk of having a future one. This shouldn’t be a barrier for you to stay active, though.
If you have an increased risk of patellar dislocation, we recommend having a durable, high-quality brace for it. Prioritize long-lasting materials, like neoprene or leak-proof hydrogel.
Value for Money
There’s one good thing about a dislocated kneecap – a knee brace with an open design can do wonders for your subluxation.
If you have a mild patellar dislocation and you’re on a budget, choose the budget-friendly options on this list. They will get you out of the woods.
Conclusion
There’s an immense variety of knee braces for dislocated kneecaps.
To find the best for you, ask yourself what other features you may need and the qualities you value in a knee brace.
For example, go for hinged braces if you need extra support. Prioritize slip-up designs if you value immediacy.
Finally, remember that healing from a dislocated kneecap takes time. Be patient – we hope you get better soon!
