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 forms a concave 'bump', and the patella finds no comfortable groove into which to slide.

 

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

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.

Rehabilitation after arthroscopic trochleoplasty

Discussion with physiotherapist about rehabilitation after arthroscopic trochleoplasty

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FORUM DISCUSSIONS

Trochlear dysplasia and patella tilt

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.

See also -

eBook on patellar instability

Factors contributing to an Unstable Patella - ebook

Click for details and download

VIDEO putting trochlear dysplasia into context