Knee A to Z

Patellar tendinitis is a painful condition of the patellar tendon where tiny tears within the tendon attempt to heal themselves but lead to foci of mucoid deterioration within the tendon.

Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative disorder of the patellar tendon.

The patellar tendon is the broad tendon strap below the kneecap, joining it to the tibia (shin).

A patellar tendon rupture is a partial or complete breaking of the patellar tendon under the kneecap.

Patellar tilt is when the kneecap (patella) is tilted to one side, generally the lateral (outer) side, associated with tightness in the lateral retinaculum, the fibrous restraint at the lateral side of the patella.

The patellar tilt test assesses the tautness of the retinacular tissue on either side of the patella. A tight retinaculum on one side may cause excessive pressure against the wall of the underlying groove, leading to pain.

Patellar tracking is the gliding of the patella within the underlying groove of the femur bone.

Patellar stabilisation methods include braces and surgery to reduce the tendency of the patella to sublux or dislocate sideways out of its underlying groove.

Patellectomy is a surgical procedure where part or all of the patella bone is cut out.

'Patellofemoral' is a descriptive word referring to that area of the knee where the kneecap (patella) is in contact with the thighbone (femur).