Patellofemoral Joint Instability Conditions

What is a Patellofemoral Joint Instability

The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, medial and lateral compartment. The patellofemoral compartment is the compartment in the front of the knee between the knee cap (patella) and thigh bone (femur). The medial compartment is the area on the inside portion of the knee, and the lateral compartment is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. Patellofemoral instability means that the patella moves out of its normal pattern of alignment. This malalignment can damage the underlying soft structures such as muscles and ligaments that hold the knee in place.

Causes

Patellofemoral instability can be caused because of variations in the shape of the patella or its trochlear groove as the knee bends and straightens. Normally, the patella moves up and down within the trochlear groove when the knee is bent or straightened. Patellofemoral instability occurs when the patella moves either partially (subluxation) or completely (dislocation) out of the trochlear groove.

A combination of factors can cause this abnormal tracking and include the following:

Care First Orthopaedic - Patellofemoral Joint Instability

Book an Appointment Today!

Call Us Today!
or
Online Enquiry
Care First Orthopaedic - Patellofemoral Joint Instability

Symptoms

Patellofemoral instability causes pain when standing up from a sitting position and a feeling that the knee may buckle or give way. When the kneecap slips partially or completely it may cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, numbness and nerve injury, visible deformity and loss of knee function.

Diagnosis

Dr Khatib evaluates the source of patellofemoral instability based on your medical history and physical examination. Other diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI and CT scan may be done to determine the cause of your knee pain and to rule out other conditions.

Patellofemoral Joint Instability Treatments

View the treatments for Patellofemoral Joint Instability

Scroll to Top