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Patella infera

In patella infera the kneecap (patella) rides too low down the femur (thighbone).

The condition is also known as patella baja. It is the opposite of patella alta - where the kneecap rides too high on the femur.

This may occur on its own or, more commonly, it may be a result of the patellar tendon shortening after surgery or injury and pulling the patella downwards. This condition causes pain rather than dislocation.

Conditions associated with patella infera

Some of the conditions more commonly associated with the development of patella infera include -

• reconstruction of the anterior-cruciate-ligament
• total knee replacement after failed high tibial osteotomy
• osteotomy of the tibial tubercle
• rupture of the quadriceps tendon
• fractures around the knee

To put the condition into true perspective it is useful to learn about arthrofibrosis, where patella infera may become the endpoint in a cascade of problems associated with the above conditions.