As the knee bends and straightens, the patella should remain aligned properly in the groove.
Causes of tracking problems
Because the patella in integrated in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, its tracking can be affected by many factors from hip problems down to foot problems.
FORUM DISCUSSIONS
My struggle with a patellar tracking disorder and some questions.
Patellar tracking disorder, getting worse despite PT and braces.
CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS
Patellar maltracking is prevalent among patellofemoral pain subjects with patella alta: an upright, weightbearing MRI study. Pal S, Besier TF, Beaupre GS, Fredericson M, Delp SL and Gold GE. J Orthop Res. 2013 Mar; 31(3): 448–457.
Evaluation of the Effect of the Sulcus Angle and Lateral to Medial Facet Ratio of the Patellar Groove on Patella Tracking in Aging Subjects with Stable Knee Joint. Qin J, Chen D, Xu Z, Shi D, Dai J and Jiang Q. Biomed Res Int. 2018; 2018: 4396139.