Patellofemoral instability

In patellofemoral instabilty the patella (kneecap) changes its relationship to the groove of the femur bone (thighbone) and may partially or fully de-rail.

patellar subluxation

Subluxation.

patellar dislocation

Dislocation.

 

Causes of patellofemoral instability

The patella may be unstable for a number of reasons. There may be local reasons related to the patella, such as patella alta, or related to the trochlear groove, such as trochlear dysplasia. There may also be remote causes in the hip or the foot - such as rotational deformities.

Synonyms: 
patellar instability
kneecap instability
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Related Content

The unstable patella

A discussion about patellar instability, the factors that may cause the patella to sublux or dislocate, and what can be done about it.

2015 - Current Concepts for Patellar Dislocation

Editor's interpretation of a paper published in the medical literature.

Patellar instability and dislocation

Discussing how the anatomy can affect the tendency to dislocate the patella.

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FORUM DISCUSSIONS

Please Help - Patella Dislocation (Subluxation).

Constant maltracking/subluxation?

Opinions on Braces for Subluxation/Dislocation.

CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS

Modern management of patellar instability. Rhee S-J, Pavlou G, Oakley J, Barlow D and Haddad F. Int Orthop. 2012 Dec; 36(12): 2447–2456.

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