Trochlear dysplasia

Trochear dysplasia is a condition where the  trochlear groove is abnormal, usually at its upper end, at which point the groove is abnormally flat or even heaped into a 'bump'.

mild trochlear dysplasia with shallow trochlea trochlear dysplasia with a flat upper trochlea with no groove trochlear dysplasia with a trochlear bump
Mild trochlear dysplasia with a shallow trochlear groove. More severe situation where the upper trochlea has no groove at all. Instead of being convex, the trochlear at its upper end forms a concave 'bump', and the patella finds no comfortable groove into which to engage.

 

Trochlear dysplasia and kneecap instability

Trochlear dysplasia is commonly associated with an unstable patella (kneecap), and patellar dislocation.

Synonyms: 
dysplastic trochlea
trochlear bump
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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.

How the kneecap engages in the femur

Illustrated article showing how the patella starts its engagement with the groove of the trochlea.

The J-Sign

Video demonstrating the J-sign

2016 - First time patellar dislocation in children – risk factors

This is the Editor's interpretation of a paper published in the orthopaedic literature in 2016.

Understanding the groove under the kneecap

Explaining how the kneecap glides within the underlying groove of the femur bone.

Patella and Trochlear Groove

Quick overview of the kneecap anatomy.

Patients' perspectives on arthroscopic trochleoplasty

This video is a record of a meeting held by Dr Lars Blønd in order to bring together his patients who have all had the procedure of arthroscopic trochleoplasty.

Pages

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FORUM DISCUSSIONS

Trochlear dysplasia and patella tilt

Trochlear Dysplasia.....Help!!

CLINICAL PUBLICATIONS

The effect of trochlear dysplasia on patellofemoral biomechanics: a cadaveric study with simulated trochlear deformities. Van Haver A, De Roo K, De Beule M, Labey L, De Baets P, Dejour D, Claessens T, Verdonk P. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Jun;43(6):1354-61.

Trochlear dysplasia: imaging and treatment options. Batailler C and Neyret P. EFORT Open Rev. 2018 May; 3(5): 240–247.

Arthroscopic deepening trochleoplasty for chronic anterior knee pain after previous failed conservative and arthroscopic treatment. Report of two cases. Blønd L. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2017; 40: 63–68.

See also -

eBook on patellar instability

Factors contributing to an Unstable Patella - ebook

Click for details and download

VIDEO putting trochlear dysplasia into context