In patella alta the kneecap rides too high up on the femur (thigh bone).
Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Cause of patella alta
Patients with primary patella alta are generally born that way. It may cause no problem, or they may suffer from anterior knee pain and/or patellar instability. In cases of rupture or avulsion of the patellar tendon, the quads muscle may pull the patella into an abnormally high position.
Patella alta in the younger patient
Tightening up the patellar tendon with a series of 'imbrication' sutures, in conjunction with MPFL reconstruction offers an alternative for the younger patient.
Forum discussions
- Patella alta. What are some of the causes?
Various explanations discussed by patients for why their patella is high.
Peer-reviewed papers
-
Quote:
"Patella alta is a major contributor to recurrent patellar instability, which is commonly seen in young athletes. Distalizing tibial tubercle osteotomy has been used for the correction of patella alta and patellar instability, but this procedure is contraindicated in the skeletally immature patient population, as it could lead to growth arrest of the proximal tibial physes."
Citation: Hinkley P, Fletcher C, Strickland S. Patellar Tendon Imbrication for the Treatment of Patella Alta in Skeletally Immature Patients. Arthrosc Tech. 2022 Aug 17;11(9):e1577-e1582. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2022.05.002. PMID: 36185114; PMCID: PMC9519932.
There is currently no content classified with this term.
Relevant material -
- Patellar instability
- J sign
- Patellar brace
- Patellar dislocation
- Patellar subluxation
- Trochlear dysplasia
- TT-TG Distance
- Insall-Salvati Ratio
- Caton Deschamps Index
2008 - reviewed 2023 - Patellofemoral pain - by Dr Ronald Grelsamer (Knee Surgeon)