Patella baja is a condition where the kneecap is positioned in an abnormally low position. It is also known as patella infera.
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Side view of section through a normal knee, where there are no adhesions locking up movement. | Adhesions developing in the suprapatellar pouch, posterior capsule and anterior interval may create flexion loss, extension loss or both. | Matured scar tissue has contracted, closing the important spaces that normally allow movement, and pulling the kneecap right down. |
Causes of patella baja
Monitoring arthrofibrosis by the height of the patella
Because the scarring of arthrofibrosis of the anterior interval tugs the patella down, serial X-rays of kneecap position can help the surgeon to evaluate deterioration in the arthrofibrotic condition and the need for surgical intervention such as lysis of adhesions and anterior interval release.
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