Squinting patellae is when the two kneecaps face towards each other despite the patient standing comfortably with the feet facing forwards.
Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Implications of squinting patellae
A squinting patella usually implies a rotational deformity of one or both of the long bones - femur or tibia.
The anomaly may not cause symptoms, but sometimes leads to anterior knee pain.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...In cases caused by a combined increased tibial external torsion and increased femoral internal torsion we are talking about the ‘inwardly pointing knee’ - syndrome...."
Citation: Liße J, Perl M, Dickschas J. Double-level torsional osteotomy a treatment for the 'inwardly pointing knee' syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Jun;143(6):2863-2875. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04446-w. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35551448; PMCID: PMC10191926.
Management of the symptomatic squinting patella
Because the problem is usually due to rotation in the bones, physiotherapy may not prove useful, and the symptomatic patient may look to a surgical solution.
X-rays and scans will be needed to determine exactly where the rotation lies, and the problem may affect both femur and tibia.
Surgery will usually involve a de-rotation osteotomy.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....isolated tibial or femoral torsional osteotomies showed a significant reduction of anterior knee pain and patellar instability...."
Citation: Liße J, Perl M, Dickschas J. Double-level torsional osteotomy a treatment for the 'inwardly pointing knee' syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Jun;143(6):2863-2875. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04446-w. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35551448; PMCID: PMC10191926.
Forum discussions
- HELP: My leg is like a puzzle
Patients discuss rotational deformity of the leg.