The Knee Learning Resource
The word 'subluxation' implies that the two bones of a joint temporarily and partially leave their normal relationship, and the joint nearly dislocates but then returns to the normal position again. So patellofemoral subluxation refers to this happening in the joint between the patella (kneecap) and the femur (thighbone), where the patella briefly jumps almost out of the walls of the groove in the femur bone, but then returns to its normal position.
The mechanical subluxation is accompanied by a sudden 'catching' feeling during knee movement with severe discomfort, but this soon returns to normal and the person may continue motion.
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